Winter storm bears down on the Dakotas

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- Residents of the Dakotas are preparing for a winter storm that could dump as much as a foot of snow in some areas.

The National Weather Service has posted a variety of advisories and warnings, including a blizzard warning in eastern North Dakota through Saturday morning. Forecasters say freezing rain will turn into snow, and strong winds will blow it around and make travel hazardous.

The North Dakota Transportation Department has issued a travel alert through Saturday morning, urging motorists to use caution. KEVN-TV reports officials in cities in western South Dakota's Black Hills on Thursday were getting snowplows ready.

Many residents headed to stores Thursday to stock up on essentials. Janet Knodel tells WDAY-TV in Fargo that she bought items such as milk in case she gets snowed in.

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