INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A winter storm that could bury parts of Indiana under a foot of snow has begun lashing the state ahead of a blast of dangerous Arctic air.

The National Weather Service says 8 to 12 inches of snow could fall on parts of central and north-central Indiana by late Sunday with smaller amounts elsewhere.

High winds are forecast to create blowing and drifting snow and whiteout conditions.

Legislative leaders are expected to announce Sunday afternoon whether they'll go ahead with Monday's planned start of their 2014 session or delay it because of the storm.

Gov. Mike Pence has urged Hoosiers to stock up on food, water and other necessities and called on them to check in on neighbors, relatives and friends who might need help in the days ahead.