MARSHALL — As southwest Minnesota faces a winter storm watch, area communities are still planning weekend activities.

Organizers of Marshall’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Shamrock Shuffle fun run at the Marshall Area YMCA said Thursday that it looked like the events were still moving forward. The Southwest Figure Skating Club’s “Blades & Beats” show is still going on Saturday, but the evening performance has been moved to 5 p.m. due to the weather forecast, organizers said.

The community of Lucan also has a St. Patrick’s Day parade and events planned on Sunday.

On its website, the National Weather Service office in Sioux Falls said a major storm system would be moving through the Great Plains this weekend, which could bring a risk of heavy snow and high winds. A winter storm watch would be in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning.

The forecast calls for high temperatures of 37 degrees on Saturday and 27 degrees on Sunday.

The National Weather Service said Southwest Minnesota had a high probability of seeing at least 6 inches of snow, which would start during daytime hours on Saturday. The biggest potential for moderate to heavy snow would come overnight Saturday and into Sunday. The National Weather Service said Sunday could also bring strong winds, with gusts of over 50 miles per hour.

Organizers of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Marshall said Thursday that they were still moving forward with planned events. Kristen Moses at the Marshall Area YMCA said it looked like the Shamrock Shuffle might miss the heavier snow forecast for Saturday. The run/walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday outside the YMCA, and ends at the Brau Brothers Brewery in Marshall.

Staff at the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce said the downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade is still planned for Saturday at 3 p.m. Around 42 units had signed up for the parade.

Chamber event specialist Sam Lund said part of Main Street will be closed from 2-4 p.m. for the parade route.

The community of Lucan’s 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service, the forecast is still chilly and potentially snowy for the early part of next week. On Monday, the Marshall area has a forecast high temperature of 12 degrees, with blustery winds. A chance of snow returns on Tuesday, along with warmer temperatures.