UPDATE: Winter Storm & Blizzard Watches for Friday

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm and Blizzard Watches for portions of Central Minnesota including Benton & Stearns Counties, in effect from 6 AM Friday morning through 9 PM Friday night. Falling temps, strong winds, and 2-8" of snow could cause travel difficulties on Friday.

From the National Weather Service this afternoon:  Winter will abruptly arrive Friday as heavy snow spreads into western and northern Minnesota. Total accumulations of 6 to 12" are expected in the axis of heavy snow with amounts quickly tapering off to the west and east. Strong wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph will result in considerable blowing snow and whiteout/blizzard conditions, especially in the Blizzard Watch area. Travel is expected to become very difficult or impossible by late Friday morning.