WILLMAR - There’s a winter storm coming, with a blizzard warning issued for much of North and South Dakota and extending into west central Minnesota.
The warning, issued by the National Weather Service, includes Lincoln, Lyon, Yellow Medicine, Lac qui Parle, Swift, Chippewa, Pope and Stevens counties, and starts at 7 p.m. this evening.
Today’s rain is expected to turn to snow this evening, with snow continuing through the night. Up to 3 inches of snow is expected in the west central region with winds increasing to 25 to 35 mph and gusts to 50 mph.
The Weather Service expects travel to become quite hazardous as there will be significantly reduced visibility and slippery roads.
The storm is expected to hit hardest in North Dakota, with 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour expected across the middle of the state. Up to 16 inches of snow is expected to fall in the western portion of the state.
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The local forecast for Willmar calls for a 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms today, mainly after 4 p.m., with a high of 63.
The rain, possibly mixed with sleet, will turn to snow after midnight and between 1 to 2 inches of accumulation is expected. Tuesday’s high is expected to be around 32 degrees, with winds from 20 to 25 mph and gusts to 40 mph.
