The National Weather Service in Chanhassen on Thursday issued a winter storm watch in effect late Saturday and Sunday for much of central Minnesota.

Mille Lacs, Morrison and Todd counties are included in the watch. Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing and Wadena counties are not included in the watch.

Snow in the watch area is forecast to start falling during overnight hours late Saturday and persist through Sunday night. Six to 8 inches of snow is possible, according to the weather service.

North and northwest winds are expected to increase to 20-30 mph Sunday afternoon with gusts in excess of 35 mph, creating areas of blowing and drifting snow as well as white out conditions in some areas. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling.

Snow is expected late Saturday through Sunday in the Brainerd area, but the hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service in Duluth reported the storm track is uncertain. There is potential for significant, widespread snowfall across the area Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon, the weather service reported.