ESCANABA — A winter storm watch has been issued for the local area by the Natioanl Weather Service.

The winter storm watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Heavy mixed precipitation possible with total snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations in excess of a quarter of an inch possible..

The storm watch is for Alger, Delta, Luce, Northern Schoolcraft, and Southern Schoolcraft counties.

According to the National Weather Service, power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.