Blizzard Warning Posted for Southern Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising against unnecessary travel in the Mankato area because of treacherous weather conditions.

The National Weather Service says wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph combined with fresh snow will significantly reduce visibility later Thursday, especially in open, rural areas. A blizzard warning was posted in an area from Granite Falls southeast to Mankato and Albert Lea.

The state remained in the deep freeze Thursday with morning temperatures below zero and wind chill readings in the negative double digits.