Full Notification

...ACCUMULATING SNOW AND STRONG WINDS EXPECTED TO BRING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS TO PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA LATE SUNDAY MORNING AND SUNDAY NIGHT... .A developing winter storm over the Northern Plains today will become much stronger as it moves across the Upper Midwest Sunday and Sunday night. Snow will develop over western Minnesota near sunrise, with a rain/snow mix developing farther east. The rain/snow mix across eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin will quickly turn to snow as colder air moves in mid to late morning. Steady snow will continue through late Sunday night. Accumulations of 5 to 8 inches are forecast across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, with amounts tapering off to a couple inches across far western Minnesota. In addition, strong northwest winds gusting to 45 to 55 mph are expected by Sunday afternoon, leading to blizzard conditions in open areas of central and southern Minnesota through Sunday night. A Blizzard Warning is in effect in a corridor from Alexandra and Long Prairie, south to Hutchinson and the far southwestern Twin Cities metro, to the Mankato and Albert Lea areas. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the rest of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A Winter Storm Watch continues for far western Minnesota where blizzard conditions are less certain due to lighter snow accumulations.

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Barron, Polk, Pierce, and St. Croix Counties.

* WHEN...From 9 AM Sunday to 6 AM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

* AFFECTED AREAS: POLK ... BARRON ... ST. CROIX ... PIERCE

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.