Full Notification

...RAIN WILL TURN TO HEAVY SNOW FROM WEST TO EAST THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT... ...SNOW AMOUNTS HAVE INCREASED AND EXPANDED FARTHER SOUTH... ...SNOWFALL RATES EXCEEDING AN INCH PER HOUR AND STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS GUSTING TO 45 MPH MAY LEAD TO BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AT TIMES... .A potent storm system will move across the area today and tonight. Rain will transition snow from west to east as cold air arrives. Periods of heavy snow are expected with rates of around an inch per hour at times. The heaviest totals will be found across central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin where around 6 inches are expected. Farther south across southern Minnesota and parts of west central Wisconsin, 1 to 3 inches are expected. Winds will increase later today and tonight with gusts as high as 45 mph. Combined with the falling snow, widespread blowing snow and blizzard conditions are possible at times with visibilities 1/4 mile or less. The Winter Storm Warning has been expanded south into most of southern Minnesota despite lower snow totals to account for the strongest winds and near blizzard conditions. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for far southern Minnesota and parts of west central Wisconsin.

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Blue Earth, Brown, Le Sueur, Nicollet, and Watonwan Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

* AFFECTED AREAS: BROWN ... NICOLLET ... LE SUEUR ... WATONWAN ... BLUE EARTH

Instructions:

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. In Minnesota, call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. In Wisconsin, call 5 1 1 or visit 511wi.gov for road conditions.