Freeborn County is under a winter storm watch as a period of heavy snow is expected across southern Minnesota on Saturday.

Rain is expected to arrive overnight Friday but is expected to change to snow early Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Snow will be heavy at times, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.

The weather agency states the heaviest snowfall is expected near the Interstate 90 corridor.

Snowfall in much of the area under the winter storm watch is expected to exceed 6 inches, with local maximum amounts of near 9 inches possible.

East to northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph will be possible, leading to some blowing and drifting snow.

The snow could lead to difficult travel with snow accumulation possible on the roads during the heaviest snowfall. It could also lead to power outages because of the heavy snow and winds.

The snow is expected to melt quickly once it ends.

The winter storm watch is expected to be in place from Saturday morning through Saturday evening.