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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The updated storm forecast has pushed the heaviest snow to the south and east of the Rochester area but blizzard conditions are still expected.

The National Weather Service is now predicting 2-4 inches of snow will fall in the Rochester area tonight and into early Thursday. Winona County, along with portions of Wabasha and Fillmore Counties are now being told to expect 3-5 inches of accumulation, while the southeast corner of Houston County, areas of northeastern Iowa, and southwestern Wisconsin can expect 4-7 inches or more from the storm system.

National Weather Service
National Weather Service
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The winter storm warning that went into effect this afternoon has been shortened. It is now set to expire at 6 PM on Thursday. The blizzard warning is now scheduled to take effect at 6 PM Thursday and continue through 6 AM on Saturday.

National Weather Service
National Weather Service
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While the forecasted snowfall totals for much of Minnesota have been downgraded, the storm system is still predicted to create very dangerous travel conditions across Minnesota and neighboring states. The strongest wind gusts are now expected Thursday night through Friday night with gusts of 40-50 mph. the National Weather Service says that will likely create blizzard and whiteout conditions with blowing and drifting snow, particularly west of the Mississippi River.

The bitterly cold arctic air that is being pulled into the region by the low-pressure center responsible for the storm will also result in potentially deadly conditions. Wind chill readings from 20 to 40 below zero are forecast from tomorrow and into the holiday weekend.

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