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Summary:

Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa are bracing for hazardous travel conditions due to a blizzard warning and strong winds on Thursday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for portions of the area until 10 PM, with a Winter Weather Advisory and a Wind Advisory also in effect for other counties. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution, especially during the evening commute in rural areas. Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend, with mild temperatures forecast for Christmas.

News Article:

Blizzard Warning Issued for Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, Travel Expected to Be Treacherous

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – A Blizzard Warning is in effect for portions of southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa until 10 PM Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The warning, highlighted in orange on NWS maps, indicates the potential for whiteout conditions and difficult to dangerous travel.

A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect until 9 PM Thursday for counties highlighted in purple, while a Wind Advisory covers the tan-highlighted areas until midnight. Wind gusts are predicted to reach 35 to 50 mph across the region this afternoon and evening, significantly reducing visibility.

“We urge everyone to use extreme caution, especially during the evening commute,” said a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. “Open and rural areas will be particularly hazardous due to the potential for whiteout conditions.”

The NWS advises motorists to consider postponing travel if possible. If travel is unavoidable, drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance, and ensure their vehicle is properly equipped for winter weather.

Relief is on the horizon. Conditions are expected to improve heading into the weekend, with more sunshine and temperatures in the 20s. Looking ahead to Christmas, temperatures are forecast to be mild, with highs in the 30s.

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