Whiteout Update: Blizzard roars south, major highways closed
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Blizzard conditions expand into all of western Minnesota tonight.
Update 6pm:
As blizzard conditions continue to rage, MNDOT has closed nearly all major Interstates and highways in southern and western Minnesota.
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Do not attempt travel in southern or western Minnesota tonight.
PH
A raging blizzard is roaring south from the Red River Valley into much western and southern Minnesota this evening. Blizzard conditions extend as far south as Iowa with visibilities at or below 1/4 mile.
Blizzard conditions occur when sustained winds of 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow reduces visibilities to 1/4 mile or less. Blizzard conditions are occurring in many western and southern Minnesota communities. Blizzard warnings are in effect until midnight for most of western and southern Minnesota.
Snowfall will gradually end from north to south in Minnesota late tonight. Sustained winds of 35 mph with gusts over 40 and even 50 mph will maintain near whiteout conditions in open areas until at least midnight.
And additional half inch of inch of snow may fall in the metro before snow ends later tonight.
Use extreme caution if you must travel anywhere west or south of the metro tonight. Or better yet, you may want to postpone travel until conditions improve.
Tuesday should bring a return to sunshine and more placid weather conditions.
Stay safe!
PH