UPDATED: Major storm expected to impact Bemidji, region

The National Weather Service predicts a major winter storm starting tonight throughout the upper Midwest, with several inches of snow for the Bemidji area.

In updated information released Tuesday morning, the weather service said the storm system could bring 6-8 inches of snow between Highway 2 and Highway 200 through Wednesday. In the Interstate 94 and Highway 10 corridors, 8-12 inches are expected to fall.

This storm is expected to be much stronger than the system that dumped several inches of snow in Bemidji this past weekend.

The pending weather system could also bring stronger winds, the weather service said in issuing a winter weather watch Monday evening.

The widespread storm is forecast to hit the southern Red River Valley and west central Minnesota with the most snow.

Winds are expected from the southeast at the start of the storm before shifting. Northerly winds are expected as the storm passes to the east.

"Significant reductions to visibility due to falling and blowing snow are possible," the weather service said in a statement. "Unless something changes, this storm would be the strongest so far this winter."

Zero visibility in open areas is possible as winds gust to 35 mph.

Residents are encouraged to take precautionary actions to prepare for the storm, which could bring snow, sleet or ice accumulations impacting travel.