The National Weather service is calling for high winds and blowing snow across Central Minnesota tonight.
The advisory area includes Alexandria, Glenwood, Little Falls, Mora, Morris and St. Cloud.
As a strong cold front moves across the area tonight, northwest winds will increase to sustained speeds of 25 to 35 mph, according to the weather service.
Gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible.
The St Cloud Times is pointing out that:
The winds, combined with falling snow and snow already on the ground will create blowing snow and reduce visibility.
Snowfall from one-half inch to one inch is possible.
The Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota Department of Transportation DPS recommend the following for safe winter driving:
• Always use seat belts.
• Adjust speed to road and weather conditions — lower speeds minimize crashes.
• Keep a safe stopping distance between vehicles, and leave extra room between your vehicle and snow plows or other removal equipment.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly on icy/snow-covered roads to retrain traction and avoid skids.
• Do not use cruise-control.
• Do not “power up” hills which may cause wheels to spin. Build momentum before reaching a hill and don’t stop while traveling uphill. Reduce speed going downhill.
• Know your brakes — keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of the foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Give yourself plenty of travel time — don’t put your schedule before safety.
• Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals.
• Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting.
For weather-related road information, call 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.
For winter driving tips and more winter safety information visit http://www.winterweather.state.mn.us/WHAH_Home.asp.
