Hold onto your hats and keep both hands on the wheel, because strong westerly winds are blowing in.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Freeborn County until 6 a.m. Friday.

Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with occasional gusts as strong as 50 mph could cause difficult driving conditions, especially on north-south roads. People driving trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles are urged to be extra careful.

Winds are expected to die down on Friday, with west winds between 14 and 22 mph and gusts as high as 33 mph. Sunny skies with a high of 34 degrees is predicted on Friday.

Mankato, Waseca, New Ulm, Blue Earth and Fairmont are also in the advisory.