By Albert Lea Tribune and Associated Press

A powerful storm packing winds of up to 60 mph moved through parts of Minnesota and Iowa today, where motorists were cautioned to keep both hands on the wheel and forecasters issued a high wind advisory.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for central and southern Minnesota through Wednesday. A winter storm watch was in effect for the northwest where up to an inch of snow could accumulate.

The warning includes people in Freeborn County, which expected winds of 25-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph today through Wednesday.

While the wind was at only 7 mph out of the southwest at 7:30 on Tuesday morning, that relative calm was not expected to last.

“Winds will rapidly increase this morning and last through early Wednesday evening,” the 7:22 a.m. National Weather Service report said, noting that while wind speeds may moderate a bit tonight, they will likely pick up again during the day Wednesday.

“These winds could lead to downed trees and power lines and make driving hazardous for high-profile vehicles, particularly along north-to-south roadways,” the warning said.

An unusually strong — possibly record-breaking — area of low pressure that is moving slowly through the region is responsible for the high winds, along with sporadic light rain that is forecast to bring about one-quarter of an inch of moisture to the area.