Albert Lea and much of the surrounding communities to the west are under a blizzard warning on Tuesday as snow and heavy winds move through the area. 

Snow will develop late tonight and taper off Tuesday morning, bringing an accumulation of 2 to 3 inches. Blizzard conditions are expected to move in after the snow begins, as winds increase behind a cold front, bringing considerable blowing snow through Tuesday evening.

A blizzard warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts as high as 45 mph are expected, particularly across west and south central Minnesota.

The Weather Service said strong winds will produce considerable blowing and drifting snow and blizzard conditions. Visibilities will be frequently reduced to less than one-quarter of a mile in open areas, though visibility may be better within city limits.

The blizzard warning has been issued for areas west of a line from Glenwood to Hutchinson, Le Center and Owatonna. A winter weather advisory is in effect across the rest of central and eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin late tonight through Tuesday evening.

The Weather Service advised people not to travel if possible. If people need to travel, they should have a winter survival kit with them. If they get stranded, they should stay with their vehicle.