Winter storm headed this way

When it rains, it pours. Or in this case, snows.

A week after more than 8 inches of snow fell in Brainerd, 6 inches or more of new snow could be on its way.

The National Weather Service in Duluth issued a winter storm watch in effect Saturday morning through Saturday night and though there's uncertainty with the system there is a possibility of significant snow accumulation, said Dan Miller, science and operations officer with the weather service.

"This isn't going to be just a localized storm. It will affect a large part of the upper Midwest," Miller said.

There's a 40 percent chance of light snow Friday and a 90 percent chance of moderate to heavy snow Saturday, the weather service reported.

While freezing rain isn't expected with the latest system, the snow will be followed by frigid temperatures Sunday and Monday.

"That's kind of the way it works up here in the winter," Miller said.

Miller said people intending to travel this coming weekend should plan accordingly by planning extra time to get to their destination, delaying their trip or canceling it altogether.

See WINTER, Page 3A

The weekend forecast:

Friday - A 40 percent chance of snow with a high temp of 15 degrees and an east wind 5-10 mph.

Friday night - A 40 percent chance of snow with a low temp of 9 degrees and an east wind 5-10 mph.

Saturday - A 90 percent chance of snow, heavy at times, with a high temp of 15 degrees and an east wind 5-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

Saturday night - A 90 percent chance of snow, heavy at times, with a low temp of 5 degrees below zero and a north wind of 15-20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

Sunday - A 40 percent chance of snow with a high temp near 4 degrees.

Sunday night - Mostly cloudy with a low temp of 13 degrees below zero.

Monday - Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 2 degrees.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.