ESCANABA — The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the area. Snowfall from the storm is expected to exceed six inches with wind gusts as high as 45 mph through Saturday.

Snow is expected to begin mainly after noon today. Snow and blowing snow are forecast to continue through Saturday and into Saturday night.

Weather officials said weather conditions will make travel very difficult and blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds coupled with heavy wet snow could bring down tree branches and cause potential power outages.

The heavier and wet snow will move in starting this morning. Snow will be heaviest and wettest this afternoon and tonight.

A cold front is expected to move in after the storm with highs predicted in the low teens with low temperatures in the single digets to below zero.