Feb. 27, 2012: Winter storm expected to snag travel Tuesday, Wednesday in Minn.

WILLMAR - Heavy snow and strong winds are expected to cause major travel problems Tuesday through Wednesday in Minnesota.

The Willmar area is under a winter storm warning from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. Snowfall amounts of 10 to 14 inches are forecast north from Willmar to Cambridge, according to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen.

A blizzard warning is effect for other parts of west central Minnesota, including areas along and west of a line from Benson through Alexandria.

The National Weather Service says snow will be heavy at times, especially Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday night. The highest amounts will fall across central Minnesota centered along a line from Morris through St. Cloud to near Rice Lake, Wis. Across that area, 10 to 16 inches of snow is possible.

The wet snow could cause tree branches to break, leading to power outages, the Weather Service says.

In addition to the heavy snow, strong winds - especially near the Minnesota-South Dakota border - will lead to significant blowing and drifting and near zero visibilities.

Sleet and freezing rain in some areas may cause slick road conditions as well.