First major winter storm hits the Northern Plains

Plunging temperatures will accompany a strong winter storm that is expected to pelt Minnesota with more than 18 inches of snow.  The mid-section of the state will bear the brunt of the heaviest snow, as well as North and South Dakota.  Frigid temperatures, some of which could drop as much as 40 degrees overnight are expected to linger following the storm, as a warm-up is not expected.  The cause of the storm is the remnants of Typhoon Nuri that hit Alaska over the weekend.  The heavy snow is due to Gulf of Mexico moisture flowing northward and colliding with the jet stream.

ABC News.com story