A Winter Storm Watch was issued January 13 at 2:45AM CST until January 15 at 12:00AM CST by NWS Minneapolis affecting the following counties:

Douglas; Freeborn; Le Sueur; McLeod; Meeker; Waseca

.HEAVY SNOW LIKELY TO FALL ACROSS WESTERN AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING.

Moderate to Heavy snow is expected in Western Minnesota, with the area of highest confidence of exceeding 6 inches of snow being upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning extending from Stevens County down through Martin County in our warning area, with 1 inch per hour snowfall rates possible. The highest overall totals are expected along the Buffalo Ridge in southwestern Minnesota, however snowfall amounts of 4-8 inches remain possible in the Winter Storm Watch. There will be a sharp gradient of lowering snowfall totals as you head into eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect beginning late Thursday night through Friday evening from Alexandria through Albert Lea.

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING

Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches possible. This will affect portions of central, south central and west central Minnesota from late Thursday night through Friday evening.

Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.