Storm Hits Midwest; Plows Ordered off Minn. Roads

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Heavy snow and strong winds are creating blizzard conditions in parts of South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.

The National Service says strong north to northwest winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour are gusting up to 50 miles per hour, creating near whiteout conditions on many roads. Parts of the Upper Midwest are expected to get a foot or more of snow Saturday.

Transportation officials are telling drivers in southwest and south-central Minnesota to stay home because of the worsening weather.

Minnesota Department of Transportation spokeswoman Rebecca Arndt says a no travel advisory was issued early Saturday because snow and strong winds have severely limited visibility. She says department officials are even ordering plows off roads in open areas.