Forecast: Blizzard warning begins late Sunday morning for western Minn.
A winter storm is bearing down on west central Minnesota and the upper Midwest tonight through Sunday evening. A National Weather Service forecast late Saturday afternoon said blizzard conditions are expected across western Minnesota Sunday afternoon and evening.
A powerful winter storm is organizing across the Dakota, according to the National Weather Service, and will begin affecting western Minnesota tonight and eastern Minnesota after Midnight.
The low pressure center will track from near New Ulm to Rochester on Sunday, which is further south than earlier anticipated. Moderate to heavy snow can be expected ahead and north of this low track tonight and Sunday.
Winter storm warnings are currently in effect north of a line from Redwood Falls to Red Wing and into Wisconsin tonight through Sunday evening. Total accumulations will range from 5 to 9 inches, with the heaviest totals northeast of Interstate 94.
Winter weather advisories have been issued south of the line from Redwood Falls to Red Wing all the way to the Iowa border through Sunday evening. Total accumulations here will range from 3 to 5 inches.
After the low pressure system moves through Minnesota, the National Weather Service is forecasting sustained northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph across western Minnesota Sunday afternoon, before beginning to taper off gradually Sunday evening. Some gusts may exceed 40 to 45 mph.
Considerable blowing and drifting snow will result in whiteout conditions making travel nearly impossible by Sunday afternoon.
A blizzard warning has been issue from 11 a.m. Sunday through Midnight Sunday west of a line from Mankato to Alexandria. Areas of blowing and drifting snow are also expected further east, but lighter winds are expected below blizzard levels.
Temperatures will plummet behind the system to well below zero late Sunday night over western Minnesota with wind chill readings as low as 20 to 30 below.
The National Weather Service recommends no travel. If your vehicle becomes stranded, your life will be at risk.
