Strong winds forecast Tuesday in western Minn.

WILLMAR -- Strong winds are forecast Tuesday in the Willmar region and much of the rest of the state.

The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities has issued a wind advisory starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday and lasting until 1 a.m. Wednesday in western Minnesota.

The Weather Service says a very strong west wind will develop Tuesday morning after the passage of a cold front. By the afternoon, sustained winds are expected to be between 20 and 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph. The strongest winds are expected in western Minnesota where sustained winds could be as high as 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

Among the counties included in the advisory are Chippewa, Douglas, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Pope, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd and Yellow Medicine.

A wind advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected, according to the National Weather Service, and winds that strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.