High Winds Hitting 6 States, Including Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (AP/WCCO) -- High winds are affecting a wide stretch of the upper Midwest, from Minnesota to western Pennsylvania.
The National Weather Service says sustained winds Tuesday afternoon will top 30 mph, with gusts reaching 45 to 50 mph.
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A wind advisory is in effect for southern Minnesota, the northeastern half of Iowa, the northern halves of Illinois and Indiana, most of Ohio and the greater Pittsburgh area.
Forecasters say high winds can damage trees and power lines and dislodge unsecured objects. The wind can also make driving difficult, particularly with high-profile vehicles.
Starting late Monday, parts of northern Minnesota saw some springtime snowflakes. WCCO-TV meteorologist Matt Brickman said that for the most part, though, the system didn't offer much in the way of accumulation.
Tuesday's temperatures dawned chilly, though, with the high winds adding up to a very winter-like spell. Brickman said that these way below average temperatures -- highs at this time of year are normally around 60 degrees -- should start to change for the warmer toward the weekend.