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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Residents in southern Minnesota are facing a double weather whammy.

Dense fog has developed across the region as warmer air moved in during the overnight hours. A dense fog advisory will be in effect through mid-morning.

And then a very powerful storm system will arrive by Wednesday afternoon and the National Weather Service says it has the potential to produce “historic dangerous winds” across the southern half of the state.

Kim David/Townsquare Media
Kim David/Townsquare Media
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Here is the latest summary from the NWS (issued at 3:45 am Wednesday):

The agency says winds will ramp up across the region Wednesday afternoon with gusts to 40 mph. Heading into this evening, winds will become very intense, reaching historic magnitudes of 50 to 65 mph on a widespread basis through the overnight hours. The magnitude of this wind event is exceedingly rare for the area. Widespread tree damage and power outages are expected. Outages could be prolonged in some areas due to the regional extent of significant impact which could mean the loss of home heating.Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Empty semi-trailers will run the risk of being blown over.

A line of thunderstorms will race eastward across the area between 6 PM and 11 PM. These storms will move east/northeast at 60 to 70 mph and will be capable of producing localized damaging wind gusts exceeding 70 mph. Tornadoes will also be possible, particularly near and west of the Mississippi River. The severe risk is expected to gradually decrease as storms progress further east into Wisconsin.

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

Plummeting temperatures overnight could result in a flash freeze,
leading to some icy roads and sidewalks.

National Weather Service
National Weather Service
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