Winter Storm Warning for Steele County Until 7 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Steele County until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The NWS indicates heavy snowfall this afternoon, with 5-7 inches of accumulation and hourly rates of 1-2 inches this afternoon. This snow will create dangerous travel conditions, as a quick burst of heavy snowfall will occur during the afternoon commute.

Snow will continue to spread through south-central and southern Minnesota, with the heaviest accumulation from Montevideo through just north of Mankato to Faribault. A heavy snow band along and just north of the Minnesota River Valley has produced reports of more than 4 inches by early afternoon near Montevideo. Amounts will be closer to 1-4 inches on either side of this heavy snow band, according to the NWS.

The NWS advised that if you must travel that you ensure that you have an extra flashlight, food, water and warm clothing in your vehicle in case of an emergency.