Blizzard warnings have been issued as the storm could dump snow from the Plains to the Midwest

Minneapolis – Blizzard warnings have been issued for the Plains and upper Midwest as a powerful spring blizzard quickly forms and strengthens Sunday, bringing high winds and heavy snow to the region. some days.

As cold air blows in from Canada, a powerful area of ​​low pressure from the Pacific Ocean is rapidly strengthening and pulling in moisture, allowing snow to move from the Rockies to the Plains and Midwest and Great Lakes regions, Fox Forecast Center said. .

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Winter weather warnings cover the Rockies to the Great Lakes, including blizzard warnings in effect late Sunday and Monday for the central and northern Plains from Kansas to South Dakota and parts of Minnesota's Arrowhead. North of Duluth.

“The journey can be very difficult,” The Office of the National Weather Service in North Platte, Nebraska, said. “Widespread winds and sleet will see near zero at times. Strong winds can bring down tree branches and power lines.”

Winter storm warnings cover large swathes of real estate across the Northern Tier from Montana to Wisconsin, including cities such as Bismarck and Fargo in North Dakota and Minneapolis in Minnesota.

Winter weather advisories are in effect for many areas, including the Rockies, southern Minnesota and central Iowa, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

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The Fox Forecast Center said the main event will begin as heavy snow increases across the region Sunday and into Sunday night.

Heavy travel impacts are expected, especially across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Areas along Interstate 80 in Nebraska, Interstate 90, South Dakota, and Interstate 35 from Iowa to Minneapolis will also be affected as thunderstorms can produce snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour.

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However, there have been some changes in the forecast, especially when it comes to the critical rain/snow line.

As a low pressure system strengthens near the Rockies, moisture and warm air will be pushed strongly from the south, and a surge of heat could push the rain/snow line farther north than previously expected, the Fox Forecast Center said. .

The latest computer forecast models show periods of heavy rain could move into southern Minnesota and Wisconsin late Sunday night and into Monday morning.

That rain could well spoil some impressive snow totals in major cities like Minneapolis.

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Snow totals have also changed, with more than a foot of snow expected in many areas from the Central and Northern Plains to the Great Lakes, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Across the upper Midwest from the Dakotas to Minnesota, many communities could receive 12-18 inches of snow from this powerful storm.

As of Sunday, Minneapolis could get 5-8 inches of snow, while communities to the north, like St. Cloud, could get 8-12 inches.

Greater totals of more than a foot are expected in communities such as Bemidji and Duluth in Minnesota.

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One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the powerful winds expected from the storm.

The FOX Forecast Center says winds will be 30 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph across the region.

Snow and whiteout conditions may develop along the Lake Superior shoreline and plains in Arrowhead, Minnesota.

“Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,” the NWS said. “If you must travel, keep a winter survival kit with you. If you're stranded, stay with your vehicle.”