Winter Storm Watch for Christmas Day

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for portions of Central Minnesota including Stearns and Benton Counties in effect from 6:00 Sunday morning through 6:00 Sunday evening for the possibility of freezing rain and accumulating ice -- which could cause dangerous driving conditions and power outages.

From the National Weather Service this evening:  A powerful storm will bring multiple hazards to the area Sunday into Monday. Patchy freezing drizzle Saturday night will become steady freezing rain Sunday morning, before changing to rain (heavy at times) from south to north Sunday afternoon. Around 1/4 inch of ice accumulation is possible across portions of central MN where a Winter Storm Watch is in effect. Some thunderstorms will also develop Sunday afternoon and evening ahead of the main cold front. Windy conditions will accompany the system Sunday through Monday, with gusts possibly exceeding 50 mph by Monday morning.