Winter storm bears down on Minnesota

Southern Minnesota braced Thursday for what could be the most significant snowstorm of the winter, one forecast to dump more than a foot of snow in some places.

Northwest Airlines began canceling some flights in and out of the Twin Cities to reduce the disruption to its schedule.

Forecasts called for a half foot of snow or more in the Twin Cities by the end of the evening, with several inches possible before the evening rush hour.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for much of southern and east-central Minnesota, while winter weather advisories were out for parts of central and southeastern Minnesota.

By morning, snow was falling in the Twin Cities, New Ulm, Owatonna, Mankato, Faribault and other places.