Along with widespread severe weather, the nation's midsection is facing a bout of high wind that has started a wildfire outbreak in the Plains and pushed a visibility-crushing dust storm into Texas and Oklahoma.

Blizzard warnings remain in effect in west-central and southwestern Minnesota, an area that encompasses cities including Fergus Falls, Morris, Willmar and Marshall, while a winter storm warning is in place for parts of central and north-central Minnesota, including Bemidji, Alexandria and International Falls.

A powerful spring storm system will continue to impact much of the region through Saturday. Snow and strong wind will create blizzard conditions along and west of US Highway 71. In the Mankato/North Mankato area there will be brief snow and strong wind,