22 million at risk for bad weather in central U.S., blizzard far north
Forecasters say tornadoes are possible from Arkansas and Oklahoma to Minnesota as warm weather reaches well into the nation's midsection.
The area at the greatest risk Monday runs from near Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Joplin, Missouri, into eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois. Storms should begin late Monday afternoon and continue into the night. Some tornadoes could be strong, with winds above 111 mph.
The storm threat covers 22 million people.
Isolated storms with the potential to produce tornadoes are forecast to form in eastern Kansas and eastern Oklahoma and move into Missouri. Supercell storms are also possible in the upper Midwest.
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As a cold front approaches, high winds will be the greater threat.
Strong winds from the south will carry a threat into Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin overnight.
To the north, blizzard conditions are blanketing parts of northern North Dakota.
The National Weather Service says half a foot of snow is expected across much of the northwest and north central regions, along with winds gusting up to 65 mph. Lesser amounts of snow are expected to the south and east.
The state Transportation Department has advised against travel in the northwest and north central parts of the state, and is urging motorists in the northeast to be cautious. Minot police also advise no travel in that city.
Williston State College has canceled classes for the day. Minot State University has called off its classes at Minot Air Force Base.
The state High School Activities Association has postponed regional boys' basketball tournaments in Minot and Devils Lake.