Blizzard begins in southwestern Minnesota
Snow has been falling all morning, and a blizzard warning is in effect in southwestern Minnesota. Cities in the warning area include Morris, Madison, Benson, Montevideo, Granite Falls, Olivia and Redwood Falls.
The National Weather Service says the snow will be heavy at times this morning, becoming lighter tonight. Total accumulation of 3 to 5 inches is expected by late Sunday in the area.
Willmar, Litchfield and Glenwood are among the regional cities in the large winter storm warning area that stretches across the rest of the state. Totals of 4 to 8 inches are forecast.
Strong winds will develop across central Minnesota this afternoon and persist through much of Sunday, making travel hazardous. Both warnings continue through 6 p.m. Sunday.
Current driving conditions in west central Minnesota are described as difficult with reduced visibility, according to the traveler information Web site of the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
