Major storm expected to impact Bemidji, region on Tuesday night, Wednesday

The National Weather Service predicts a major winter storm starting Tuesday night throughout the Upper Midwest, with several inches of snow for the Bemidji area.

The storm, expected to be much stronger than the system that dumped about 4 inches of snow in Bemidji this past weekend, will extend into Wednesday.

The pending weather system could bring more snow and stronger winds, the weather service said in issuing a winter weather watch Monday evening.

The widespread storm is forecast to hit the southern Red River Valley and west central Minnesota with the most snow, with totals nearing 12 inches.

The U.S. Highway 2 corridor could receive about 6 inches of fresh snow, the weather system said.

Winds are expected from the southeast at the start of the storm before shifting. Northerly winds are expected as the storm passes to the east.

"Significant reductions to visibility due to falling and blowing snow are possible," the weather service said in a statement. "Unless something changes, this storm would be the strongest so far this winter."

Zero visibility in open areas is possible as winds gust to 35 mph.

Residents are encouraged to take precautionary actions to prepare for the storm, which could bring snow, sleet or ice accumulations impacting travel.