Wind, blowing snow could reduce visibility for drivers through Thursday afternoon

A storm system moving through the region could cause problems for drivers in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a wind advisory, as well as a special weather statement, have been issued for much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

The wind advisory is in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday, and the special weather statement is in effect through 4 p.m. Thursday.

Meteorologists say west winds of 25-30 mph will move through the region, and wind gusts are expected to reach 45-50 mph, with some areas possibly seeing 60 mph gusts.

Strong westerly winds expected today with gusts up to 60 mph possible in western MN. Gusts of 45-55 mph possible elsewhere. Scattered snow showers also possible today with rain mixing in during the afternoon. Some snow showers could be intense reducing visibility. #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/uN0kW09BIf

— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) April 14, 2022

Snow showers are also expected, with quick bursts of moderate to heavy snow possible.

Due to the combination of strong winds and snow showers, the NWS says there may be rapid drops in visibility due to blowing snow, especially near, and north of, the I-94 corridor and far western Minnesota.

Drivers are asked to use extra caution and to reduce speeds.

CLICK HERE for a full list of active weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service.

Early Thursday morning, the Minnesota State Patrol said there were several rollover crashes and spinouts along I-94 from Moorhead to Alexandria, adding drivers were traveling too fast on roads with poor conditions.

WC MN – Troopers are responding to several rollover crashes & spin outs I94 Moorhead to Alexandria. Some folks driving too fast on obviously poor roads – keep the cruise control OFF & headlights/taillights ON. #DriveSmart this pic I94 in Moorhead near exit 1A (no inj) pic.twitter.com/54ePk4LfMQ

— Sgt. Jesse Grabow (@MSPPIO_NW) April 14, 2022

Thursday’s wind and snow is coming from the same system that brought blizzard warnings to nearly all of North Dakota.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Chief Meteorologist Ken Barlow says the Twin Cities region could see a mix of snow and rain, with some small accumulations on grassy surfaces.

CLICK HERE to read your full forecast.

….And on it goes in North Dakota…Minot now has 30" of snow with 6 foot drifts in spots https://t.co/myO1y0sxLq

— Ken Barlow (@kbarlowkstp) April 14, 2022

RELATED: Blizzard warnings continue in North Dakota, wind speeds to increase in Minnesota

Temperatures have been unseasonably below average so far this spring, with highs expected to only reach the upper 30s through the end of the workweek, and barely reaching the 40s this weekend and Monday.

However, although low temperatures are expected to remain in the 20s and 30s through the start of next week, high temperatures are expected to reach the 50s by Tuesday and Wednesday.

CLICK HERE to find the latest seven-day forecast.