The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon for much of southern Minnesota, including Freeborn, Steele and Faribault counties.

A wintry mix with a period of freezing rain is possible in south central Minnesota near the Iowa border, then toward Eau Claire, leading to slick roads, the agency states.

As much as 4 to 8 inches of snow could accumulate with a glaze of ice possible near Blue Earth and Albert Lea.

Winds will be around 20 to 35 mph, which will cause blowing and drifting snow, especially in open country.

The agency cautioned that the heaviest snow may change as the forecast is updated over the next few days. It encouraged people to be prepared for difficult driving conditions if they have travel plans across central or southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.