Wichita ? Parts of Kansas have begun seeing the effects of a major winter storm sweeping north out of Oklahoma.

South-central and southeastern Kansas are expected to get the brunt of the storm today.

Jim Caruso, with the National Weather Service in Wichita, says forecasters expect 6 to 12 inches of snow across the region. Caruso says the snow will be wet and heavy, and could weigh down tree limbs and power lines.

Rain was beginning to turn to snow Friday evening in southern sections.

Accumulations of one to 4 inches are forecast for north-central Kansas, but some places already had an inch on the ground by 7 p.m. Friday.

Authorities in Lincoln County, northwest of Salina, reported multiple wrecks amid heavy snow and high winds.