GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - The first snowstorm of the season has hit eastern North Dakota's Red River Valley, causing travel problems and power outages.

The National Weather Service has posted a winter storm warning for northeastern North Dakota, with 6-12 inches of snow expected. Forecasters say wind gusting up to 45 mph will blow the snow around, producing near-blizzard conditions. The state Transportation Department has issued a travel alert for the region.

Xcel Energy said the weather contributed to a power outage affecting about 6,500 people in the Fargo region for a couple of hours.

The National Weather Service reported that 3 1/2 inches of snow had already fallen in Grand Forks by about 8:30 a.m.