The Twin Cities has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning, Dangerous cold and blizzard conditions are expected!
The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities has upgraded the Twin Cities region to a Winter Storm Warning, which is in effect from 9 AM Wednesday through 3 AM Thursday. They have additionally issued a Winter Storm Watch from Thursday afternoon through late Friday night for the blizzard conditions that are likely following the snowfall. This watch will likely be upgraded to a Blizzard Warning at that time. The National Weather Service no longer issues Blizzard Watches, which is why a Winter Storm Watch was issued.
The latest forecast has snow beginning Wednesday morning and continuing through the day. Light and fluffy snow is forecast, with snow totals of around 5 to 8 inches expected across the Twin Cities Metro. By late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, we will see a break in the action before the cold surge is forecast to work across the region from the northwest. The latest model guidance shows winds are forecast to gust out of the northwest as high as 50 mph. It is during this time when blizzard-like conditions are likely to occur, which will result in potentially hazardous travel conditions in addition to very dangerous cold conditions. Wind chills during this time could range between -30 to -45 degrees below zero. The combination of strong winds and the heavy snow still on trees from the previous snowstorm could result in tree branches breaking and downed power lines, making the dangerous cold even more life-threatening across the region.
Any travel plans from Wednesday through Saturday this week should be changed now, as travel is likely to be impacted. If you become stranded, you are not only putting yourself into a life-threatening situation, but you are also putting the lives of the individuals who must go out and rescue in harm's way.
The National Weather Service recommends calling 511 or going to 511mn.org to get the latest on road conditions across the state of Minnesota.
