Austin, Hayfield-Brownsdale, LeRoy-Ostrander, Blooming Prairie and Southland schools announced they are dismissing early today, as high winds are expected to make for treacherous driving this afternoon and into tomorrow.

All Austin after school programs and practices are cancelled. Kids Korner opens at the release time at regular sites and is open until 6 p.m.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until noon Friday in Mower County, as winds are expected to increase to 22 to 30 mph with 40 to 45 mph gusts. The wind, coupled with light snow, could create white-out conditions. Snowfall accumulations of around an inch are expected today, with less than an inch tonight.

Wind chills of -15 to -25 are expected tonight and Friday morning.

Condition may be a bit worse to the west, as a blizzard warning is in effect until midnight in Freeborn County.

 

Austin dismissal times:

Community Learning Center: 11 a.m.

Woodson K-Center: Noon

Elementary schools: 12:35 p.m.

Ellis Middle School: 12:50 p.m.

Austin High School: 12:55 p.m.