Strong winds bringing winter back in a hurry to west central Minnesota on Saturday

WILLMAR -- Winter is on its way back in a hurry.

Blustery conditions are expected throughout the region on Saturday, with winds strong enough to snap small branches expected in western Minnesota.

Winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to around 45 mph are expected in the area. Winds should begin picking up around 9 a.m. on Saturday and intensify through the day, but diminish to 17 to 20 miles mph during the evening, according to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen.

There's also a chance for patchy, blowing snow. Less than a half inch of new snow accumulation is possible.