Ironton, Minnesota

... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from midnight tonight
to 6 am CST Saturday...

* patchy freezing drizzle and light snow is expected to begin this
afternoon or this evening in areas from Brainerd to Hinckley...
Pine City... Siren and Spooner. Precipitation will change to all
snow and increase in intensity late this evening and overnight.
Periods of snow... heavy at times... will continue into
Christmas night.

* Storm total snowfall accumulations from 12 to 16 inches are
expected... with locally heavier amounts up to 20 inches likely.
The greatest snowfall rates and accumulations are expected later
tomorrow night and into Christmas day.

* East to northeast winds from 15 to 30 mph and higher gusts can be
expected... which will result in local blowing and drifting snow
in open areas. The winds will also combine with falling snow to
produce limited visibility less than a quarter mile at times.

* Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly late tonight
and early tomorrow morning... and travel is expected to remain
hazardous through Christmas night.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow and blowing snow means the
combination of strong winds and falling and blowing snow will
cause low visibility and drifting snow. Delay travel if possible.
If you must travel... use extreme caution and allow extra time to
reach your destination. Be aware that you may become stranded and
that it could take many hours for help to arrive. Keep a winter
survival kit in your vehicle... including a flashlight... food...
and water. Let someone know your travel Route and expected
arrival time and have a working cell phone in case you become
stranded.

It should also be emphasized this storm will affect a very large
part of the central United States... including Minnesota... much
of the Dakotas... Iowa and Wisconsin. Anyone with Holiday travel
plans across the region is urged to stay current with the latest
weather information regarding this winter storm.