Forecast Calls For Dangerous Wind Chills

Dangerously cold wind chills and blowing snow are forecast for southeastern Minnesota through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has included the Rochester area in a Wind Chill Warning that will be effect until noon.  Forecasters say the region is expected to be raked by northwest winds at 15-30 mph with gusts as high as 35-40 mph, which will produce wind chill readings between 30 and 40 below zero.  Blowing snow is also expected to create difficult travel conditions throughout southern Minnesota.  As of late Wednesday afternoon, the State Department of Transportation was already advising no travel in parts of southwestern Minnesota because of blizzard conditions.  Statewide, law enforcement officers responded to around 400 crashes, including over 50 resulting in injuries, through Wednesday afternoon.  The daunting forecast prompted the Rochester School District to announce a two hour delay for the start of the school day on Thursday.  Be sure to check KROC-AM.com for a complete listing of weather-related closings and delays.