UPDATE: Winter Storm Watch for Snow & Wind Monday

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect from 6 AM Monday morning through 6 AM Tuesday morning when a major winter storm could dump 8-12" across parts of Central Minnesota.

The watch area includes locations roughly along and north of Interstate 94 -- including Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Todd, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Meeker, and Wright counties.

In addition, northeast winds gusting as high as 45 mph will lead to areas of blowing and drifting. It's possible that both the morning and evening commutes could be impacted by this storm, so check for updates and plan accordingly.

From the National Weather Service this morning: Although the heaviest snowfall is still expected north of the Twin Cities Metro area, the band of 6-8 inches of snowfall has shifted slightly to the southwest. Therefore, the Winter Storm Watch has been expanded to include all of the Twin Cities Metro area, and portions of southeast Minnesota. Rain, mixed with snow will develop late tonight. The rain will change over to all snow Monday morning, and continue through Monday night. In addition to the snow, windy conditions will develop with gusts of 30 to 45 mph likely by Monday afternoon. This will create areas of blowing snow, especially in open country. Please be aware the conditions will deteriorate rapidly Monday morning. Travel by Monday afternoon will be impacted.