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More snow, wind expected

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Dec 9, 2012 at 9:29 am

ST. CLOUD,, Minn. (KNSI) Winter Storm Warnings and Blizzard Warnings remain in effect for western and central Minnesota Sunday.

The National Weather Service saysa powerful winter storm will continue to affect the region for the remainder of the day Sunday. Now will expand Sunday morning and become heavy at times Sunday.

Behind the low pressure system, sustained northwest winds of 20 ro 30 mph are expected over western Minnesota this afternoon before gradually tapering off this evening. Some wind gusts may exceed 40 mph. Considerable blowing and drifting snow will result in whiteout conditions making travel nearly impossible by Sunday afternoon. Area of blowing snow are also expected farther east, but lighter winds preclude the issuance of a Blizzard Warning at this time.

Temperatures will plummt behind the system to well below zero late tonight over western Minnesota, with wind chill readings as low as 20 to 30 below zero. Travel in the Blizzard and Winter Storm Warning areas is not advised. Travel will be very difficult, and stranded motorists risk getting frostbite or hypothermia due to the frigid wind chill Sunday night.

Cities in the Winter Storm Warning include St. Cloud, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Little Falls, Princeton, Long Prairie, Faribault and Red Wing.

Cities in the Blizzard Warning include Alexandria, Morris, Glenwood, Madison, Benson, Montevideo, Willmar, Litchfield, Granite Falls, Olivia and Hutchinson.