MARSHALL (KMHL) – What has been a quiet holiday travel season is about to change. The National Weather Service says much of the region will be hit by a major winter storm this weekend.

Forecasters have issued a Winter Storm Watch for southwest Minnesota. The watch includes Lyon and Lincoln Counties and most of the surrounding counties in the region. They are calling for between 8-and-16 inches of snow possible between tonight and Monday morning.

Forecasters there is also a possibility for ice accumulation as well – and they note that on the back side of the storm wind gusts between 35 and 40 miles per hour are likely – making travel this weekend difficult if not impossible.

If you’d like to keep updated on road conditions, because you have travel plans – please log on to 511mn.org.