Freezing rain and 6 to 10 inches of snow are expected to hit southeastern Minnesota, including Austin, within the next 24 hours.

Tuesday, January 30, 2001

Freezing rain and 6 to 10 inches of snow are expected to hit southeastern Minnesota, including Austin, within the next 24 hours.

The National Weather Service and area forecasters have issued ice storm warnings throughout most of the southern part of the state and a winter storm warning for parts of southwestern Minnesota. A winter weather advisory is in effect for central and northeastern Minnesota.

The expected ice, which could total 1 to 2 inches, could knock down power lines and trees. Ice-slicked highways in the region are expected to make travel nearly impossible later in the day today, the weather service said. Significant snowfall may blanket the area after the ice storm moves through the area, further complicating driving.

Classes were closed today at all of Riverland Community College’s campuses and at public and private schools in Albert Lea, Austin, Lewiston-Altura, Wabasha Kellogg, Dover-Eyota, Chatfield and other Minnesota communities, including St. Ansgar in Iowa. Several community events and other programs also were called off in anticipation of the storm.