Snow on the way Sunday, especially for Southern Minnesota

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Twin Cities Metro area, with a Winter Storm Warning just to the south. 

The National Weather Service is saying that the storm's track has been shifting slightly to the north, increasing the chances of heavier snow in the metro.  Right now, it's looking like 4-6 inches is possible across most of the metro core which will begin in the early AM hours Sunday. 

Winter storm warning (pink) means heavy snow is likely later tonight into Sunday. Meanwhile the Winter Storm Watch to the north means heavy snow is possible. There's been a slight northerly shift overnight, and if that continues, higher snow totals could shift north #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/k7wDX94mmM

Accumulating snowfall begins late Saturday across southwest Minnesota, and spreads east overnight into Sunday.  The snow should last through Sunday afternoon, with the greatest likelihood of heavier amounts of 6 to 8 inches from south-central Minnesota into west- central Wisconsin. Amounts of 6-8" are also possible farther north into central and east-central Minnesota, but will depend on how far north the heaviest band of snow develops.

There is a very tight gradiant for this snowfall, which means a small shift in the strom track could mean the difference between flurries and 5+ inches. 

In addition, northerly wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph will develop Sunday afternoon as the snow tapers off, and this could lead to drifting snow and reduced visibility.

It's the first significant snow in three weeks for the Twin Cities so we are definitely due.  Keep an eye on roads Sunday morning as conditions could be difficult, especially in open areas where the snow can drift.  Temps are expected to be in the teens and low twenties through most of Saturday night and Sunday, which could also lead to icy conditions. 

Latest models suggest 3-6" for MSP metro by Sunday evening, with a band of 5-10" far southern Minnesota, where watches have been upgraded to warnings. First plowable snowfall in about 3 weeks - we're due! pic.twitter.com/ETWQJjOwa7