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• Western Wisconsin under winter storm warning

A winter storm warning is in effect from noon Tuesday to midnight Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

The warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Officials suggest motorists should travel only in an emergency. They suggest that if someone must travel, they should keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.

According to the National Weather Service, snow will begin across areas of south central Minnesota by Tuesday morning. The snow will continue to expand northward into western Wisconsin by noon on Tuesday and across the entire area by mid-afternoon. Accumulations of one to two inches are forecast by 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Snow will increase in intensity Tuesday night and persist through Wednesday morning, primarily across the warning areas. Periods of heavy snow are expected.

The heaviest snow is expected south and east of a Fairmont, Minn. to Red Wing, to Rice Lake, Wis. line. In these areas, storm total snowfall amounts of eight inches or more are likely by Wednesday afternoon.

Across the remainder of the warning area, five to eight inches are expected. Increasing winds overnight Tuesday night will result in blowing and drifting snow, especially in open areas. Difficult travel is likely throughout the warning time.