Eds: UPDATES with storm tracking east, forecast snow for 5-7 inches;APNewsNow.

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The National Weather Service has updated the forecast for stormy weather expected to move into North Dakota, saying it's tracking a little farther east.

The latest forecast projects the heaviest amount of snow in the Jamestown area and the James River Valley, with a range of 5 inches to 7 inches by Friday. Meteorologist Janine Vining said the moisture might start out as rain and not change to snow until Thursday night.

The far western part of the state could get an inch or two of a rain-snow mix and an area stretching from Grant and Sioux counties to Bismarck could get between 2 inches and 5 inches, according to the latest forecast. Winds are expected to increase by Thursday night.

The storm was developing Wednesday in Colorado and Wyoming, and forecasters said 8 inches of snow fell in Whiteclay, Neb., near the South Dakota border.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-28-09 1951CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list