BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Eastern North Dakota residents dealt with snow, blowing snow and freezing drizzle, while residents of the western and central parts of the state prepared for an Alberta clipper.

Law enforcement officers in eastern North Dakota said icy roads early Wednesday contributed to several rollover accidents in the region.

The National Weather Service posted a winter storm watch for the west Thursday afternoon, and for west and central North Dakota Thursday night and Friday morning.

The Alberta clipper was expected to bring up to 3 inches of snow in some areas and wind gusts up to 50 mph. Forecasters said blizzard conditions might develop, and the wind and cold might make it feel like 30 below zero by Friday morning.

"(Winter) is just north of the border," said Rich Leblang, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Bismarck. "It's on its way down."

So far this winter, a lack of snow in western and central North Dakota has significantly reduced the demand for snow removal equipment. Outside Minot's TSC store, a display offers snow shovels marked down to $2 apiece.

"Even at $2 we've still got 'em," said employee Jay Gratzek. "How many do you want?"

At Arrowhead Ace Hardware, "Snowblowers certainly aren't selling," co-owner Colleen Kobes said. "You aren't going to sell snowblowers in this type of weather. We didn't even order as many this year."

Leblang said the best chance for snow out of the Alberta clipper is in southwestern North Dakota, where up to 3 inches might fall.

"Snow for the Minot area? I would say no," he said.