Novak Weather continues to track forecast trends and changes ahead of a potential winter storm that appears likely to bring wintry impacts to Minnesota and the Upper Midwest Thursday and Friday. 

"There is the potential for hazardous winter weather Thursday through Friday," said the Twin Cities office of the National Weather Service on Tuesday afternoon. "There is still some uncertainty with this storm, but if you have travel plans across the region Thursday or Friday, make sure you stay up-to-date with the latest winter weather forecasts."

Weather is sponsored by Grand Casino: Good, clean, sanitized fun!

Novak Weather expects there to be widespread snowfall Thursday and Friday, with the most significant travel impacts currently forecast to be in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Two Harbors, into the Arrowhead of Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. 

But that doesn't mean the Twin Cities and a large chunk of Minnesota outside of those areas will go unscathed. Strong northwest winds could lead to blowing and drifting snow, in addition to potential for freezing rain as precipitation begins Thursday morning before changing to snow. 

How much snow will fall is unclear at this point, though the weather service says the long-duration snow event, which may not be very intense for most of the storm, could result in 4+ inches across much of Minnesota. 

"The main question is whether we'll see a band of moderate snow Friday," the forecast discussion from the NWS Twin Cities says, noting that if a heavier band of snow does develop, it could result in "some locations" getting upwards of 8 inches. 

Details should become clearer in the next 24-36 hours.