Freeborn County and all of southern Minnesota is in a winter storm watch in effect for Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Service Service.

The good news is that the Albert Lea area isn’t under a blizzard watch, like much of west central Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

The winter storm is expected to move across the Great Plains on Tuesday, hitting the central areas of Minnesota. Southern Minnesota could see snow or a possible mix of snow and rain. The National Weather Service warns that a slight shift in the direction of the storm could mean a change in what areas see what kinds of precipitation.

Forecasters say 15 to 20 inches of snow could fall in central Minnesota with lesser amounts north and south.

Presently, the National Weather Services forecasts the storm to bring 1 to 3 inches of snow, but that could end up being sleet or rain, causing slick roads.

Icy surfaces and blowing snow are expected to create difficult driving conditions.