Storms are predicted to be whipping through Minnesota and the Dakotas on Christmas.

St. Cloud State University Meteorology Professor Bob Weisman says a major storm has been in the forecast for a while.

Weisman predicts it will track across the Plains into western and northern Minnesota on Christmas night and Monday.

Since temperatures will be warmer, there will be a lot of moisture and possible rain. The hardest hit areas will be western and central Dakotas, possibly northeastern North Dakota, and northwestern Minnesota. If enough rain falls on frozen ground there could be flooding in these areas.

For central and southern Minnesota, rain and mixed precipitation is also in the forecast for Sunday afternoon and night.

Travel may be difficult on Christmas Day and Monday where snow and wind will occur.