6 or more inches of snow possible in Bemidji area this weekend

A winter storm watch has been issued starting Saturday night for northwestern Minnesota, including Beltrami County, and 6 inches or more of new snow is possible.

The National Weather Service said a storm system will move into the region, from eastern North Dakota into Minnesota and "moderate to heavy snowfall is possible over most of the area."

The snow will spread east Saturday night, starting on the western edge of the system and into Minnesota. The system is expected to drop 6 or more inches of snow before ending Monday morning.

In addition, the weather agency said 15 to 25 mph winds from the east will be present. As the system passes, winds will shift, coming from the north. Winds are expected to cause blowing and drifting snow.

A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.

Here's the weather service forecast:

Today: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 19. Northwest wind between 11 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7. Northwest wind between 7 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 19. Northwest wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.

Saturday Night: Snow likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. East southeast wind between 7 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday: Snow. High near 26. East southeast wind 13 to 16 mph becoming west northwest 5 to 8 mph. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 13.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 18.