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

Dangerous Winter Storm Today Through Early Saturday... .Snow will develop from the south early this morning. The heaviest snow will fall during the day today with accumulations near or exceeding a foot expected for some by early Saturday. Snowfall rates 1/2 to 1 inch per hour will be common. Winds will gust from 30 to 40 mph this afternoon into early Saturday morning with blowing and drifting snow, including localized whiteout conditions, especially across the open, unsheltered areas of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Travel will become hazardous for most of the region, potentially impossible where snowfall and winds are the highest. Consider altering, delaying or even canceling travel plans if conditions warrant it. Bitterly cold air arrives as this storm system exits the area with wind chills of 20 to 30 below by Saturday night. ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph this afternoon and tonight producing blowing and drifting snow in open areas. * WHERE...Portions of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota and central, southwest and west central Wisconsin. * WHEN...Until noon CST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Sporadic power outages could occur. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes.