Bemidji area remains in winter advisory, much of western Minnesota facing blizzard-like conditions

WILLMAR – Rapidly changing weather conditions has put much of west central Minnesota, including Kandiyohi County, under a blizzard warning that will continue until midnight.

In hte Bemidji area, though, a winter weather advisory remains in effect until 9 p.m. Monday. Winds are expected to cause blowing and drifting snow, creating "greatly reduced visibilities in open country," and snow accumulations are expected to slowly taper through the day.

According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, blizzard conditions are rapidly developing across western Minnesota as strong northwest winds of 30-40 mph have pushed into the region ahead of a cold front that will cause temperatures to plummet.

Winds are gusting up to 50 mph, which is creating blowing and drifting snow that’s making travel hazardous.

Blizzard conditions are currently being observed in places west of a line from Alexandria to Willmar and Olivia, according to the weather service.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says most of the roads in west central Minnesota are in fair or difficult driving condition as snow is drifting across warm, wet roads. As the temperatures decrease to the single digits, and below zero, the blowing snow will likely result in slick roads.

Visibilities are much better further south and east and blizzard conditions are not expected at this time in those regions.

This article was compiled by Carolyn Lange of the Forum News Service.