UPDATE: Pre-Thanksgiving whopper has potential to become thunderously epic

(Mankato, MN) – A winter storm watch has been issued for the majority of southern Minnesota as the region braces for its first winter storm of the season.

The pre-Thanksgiving whopper is expected to dump up to 14 inches of snow on Mankato and surrounding areas, and more is on the way for the weekend. The National Weather Service says thunder is also possible during this storm. Blue Earth, Nicollet, Brown, Watonwan, Waseca, and Cottonwood counties are all included in the watch, which is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday night to noon on Wednesday.

Forecasters say the Mankato area is in line to receive 10 to 14 inches of accumulating snow Tuesday. Gusty winds up to 45 miles per hour could make for difficult driving conditions for those planning to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The storm should wrap up on Wednesday afternoon, but the snow doesn’t appear to be done for the week. Black Friday could turn into White Friday, as the National Weather Services forecasts a 70 percent chance of snow Friday afternoon, and snow Friday night. Early estimates predict roughly 2 to 4 inches of snow Friday.

Over the weekend: Saturday is expected to be blustery, with 30 mile per hour winds, rain, and snow, while Sunday carries a 50 percent chance of snow and gusty northwestern winds.

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