Blowing snow until 9 p.m. in west central, central Minn.

WILLMAR -- A winter weather advisory for blowing snow is now in effect until 9 p.m. this evening for parts of west central and central Minnesota. The winter storm warning has expired.

According to the National Weather Service, strong winds and blowing snow will continue today even as snow tapers off.

Strong northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts to 40 mph, will result in blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibilities into the evening hours, the Weather Service says. Visibilities will be significantly reduced, especially along the Minnesota River Valley and up toward Willmar and western Stearns County where snowfall amounts were in the 6- to 12-inch range.