Much of the central United States from the Rocky Mountains to the Midwest was braced Tuesday for blizzard-like conditions, while states farther to the south saw tornadoes from a massive storm blowing across the country.

An area stretching from Montana into western Nebraska and Colorado was under blizzard warnings, and the National Weather Service said that as much as 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow was possible in some areas of western South Dakota and northwestern Nebraska. Meanwhile, ice and sleet were expected in the eastern Great Plains.

The National Weather Service warned that up to about half an inch (2.5 centimeters) of ice could form and winds could gust up to 45 mph (72 kph) in parts of Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Power outages, tree damage, falling branches and hazardous travel conditions all threatened the region.

A Minnesota prosecutor said Monday that sheriff’s deputies were “completely justified” when they fatally shot a man in Otsego who they said had threatened them with a knife.

Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes said the deputies will not face criminal charges in the August shooting of Jordyn Hansen, 21, the Star Tribune reported.

According to Lutes’ memo, Hansen, 21, had been living with his aunt and uncle, who said he had a history of mental health issues. Early on Aug. 7, his aunt called police after Hansen’s sister said he was going to Faribault to kill people. His aunt also asked for an ambulance.

Hansen tried jumping out of an upstairs bedroom window before authorities arrived, but his uncle stopped him. When deputies arrived, Hansen grabbed a steak knife with a 6-inch blade from the kitchen and ran into the garage. Shortly after that, his uncle heard gunfire.

Lutes said the use of deadly force by Deputy Leland Wilkinson and Sgt. Jeffrey McMackins was justified, saying Hansen disobeyed every order and “intentionally initiated deadly force confrontations” by charging at them while brandishing a knife in a threatening manner. He added that use of a stun gun to subdue Hansen “had no effect.”

The University of St. Thomas is looking to hire a new neighborhood liaison as soon as possible after the previous liaison, Amy Gage, retired in August after eight years with the university.

St. Thomas has had a neighborhood liaison since 1990, with only three people holding the position in 32 years. Without anyone in the position for four months, St. Thomas was forced to make major changes to the position.

Macy Berendsen can be reached at macy.berendsen@stthomas.edu.