Photo by Clay Schuldt Snow falls at the intersection of N. Broadway and 3rd Street N. in New Ulm on Wednesday.

NEW ULM — Schools and organizations around the area started shutting down Wednesday in anticipation of the blizzard forecast for this week.

The blizzard got off to an easy start on Wednesday. About 3 inches of powdery snow fell in the area, but without much wind to move it around. Still, schools in the area closed early, sending students home around noon. Schools also announced they would be closed on Thursday, and with the Christmas holiday weekend approaching, students will be off until after the New Year.

The CAST Senior Center and Senior Dining/Meals on Wheels are closing todayand Friday due to the blizzard warning for our area. They will also be closed Monday, Dec. 26 for the Christmas holiday.

According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning is in effect until noon Thursday, when it becomes a blizzard warning that will be in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday.

A wind chill warning remains in effect until noon Saturday, with wind chills as low as 40 below zero. The NWS expects snow accumulation of 4 to 7 inches and winds gusting as high as 50 miles per hour during the blizzard warning.

Due to the harsh weather conditions, delivery of The Journal may be delayed during the blizzard conditions.

The Journal is printed at the House of Print in Madelia. Our delivery drivers will be dealing with hazardous driving conditions and the possibility of highways closing, which will prevent them from getting papers from Madelia to the carriers. Our carriers are expected to take care and not venture out in dangerous conditions. Papers will printed each day. If necessary, papers will be delivered together when conditions improve.

We ask our customers to please be patient. Our drivers and carriers will be doing their best to get The Journal delivered as soon and as safely as possible. Subscribers can also access The Journal’s stories at www.nujournal.com, or download the New Ulm Journal All Access app to see the pages online or on their mobile devices.