National Weather Service issues winter storm warning for SW MN starting Tuesday

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for southwest Minnesota, starting Tuesday afternoon. Affected counties include Redwood, Renville, Brown, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Chippewa, Yellow Medicine, Sibley, Meeker, McLeod, Pope, Stearns and Swift counties.

WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 11 inches and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

WHEN…From 3 PM this afternoon to 6 PM CST Tuesday.

IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Heavy icing may result in downed tree branches and power lines. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday commutes.

The storm warning stays in effect through Midnight Tuesday evening.