Blizzard hitting parts of MN

Blizzard conditions are being reported in northwest Minnesota, where schools, colleges and major highways are shut down - and

the strong winds and snow causing problems there are heading south through the state. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the entire western half of the state. In this part of the state, Freeborn and Steele counties are included in the warning. An inch or two of snow and winds with gusts of 50 - 60 miles per hour are expected into late afternoon. As the cold front moves across the state, whiteout conditions are expected in most areas. The Weather Service is already reporting visibility problems in some parts of southeast Minnesota. Several area school districts will close early today due to expected deteriorating driving conditions. Check our website for the latest information.

Cold weather is expected in southeast Minnesota through Saturday but warmer temps will move in for Sunday and Martin Luther King Day.