...MAJOR WINTER STORM SATURDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING...

.A prolonged, high-impact winter storm affects the region Saturday
night through Monday morning. Highest snow totals in excess of 12 to
18 inches are favored north of Interstate 90 with some locales north
of Highway 10 approaching 24 inches. Along Interstate 90, a wintry
mix of snow, freezing rain, and sleet makes it difficult to pin down
exact snow and ice amounts, but impacts are warranting of a winter
storm warning. Across northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, snow
does not look to arrive until Sunday afternoon, so the winter storm
watch is maintained until further details can be ascertained.
Increasing winds Sunday afternoon and night should result in
whiteout conditions for exposed locales and an upgrade to a blizzard
warning is likely once the exact threat area is determined.
Regardless of exact snow amounts, expect major travel impacts
regionwide with some roads possibly impassable, especially in
wind-prone areas.

* WHAT...Heavy snow, mixed with sleet and freezing rain. Total snow
accumulations between 6 and 12 inches with locally higher amounts.
Ice amounts around one tenth to three tenths of an inch. Winds
gusting up to 50 mph may result in blizzard conditions later
Sunday into Monday morning.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Minnesota and central, southwest,
and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...From 7 PM Saturday to 1 PM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds
could bring down tree branches.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. In Minnesota, visit 511mn.org
for road conditions. In Wisconsin, visit 511wi.gov for road
conditions.