Winter Storm Warning in Southern Minnesota

Blizzard Warning expanded to cover west central Minnesota as strong northwest winds cause near zero visibilities.

A Blizzard Warning is now in effect across much of west central Minnesota. This includes areas along and west of a line from Alexandria to Redwood Falls. A Blizzard Warning continues for south central and southeast Minnesota. This includes areas along the Minnesota River from Redwood Falls to New Ulm, Mankato, and Red Wing. This includes Interstate 35 south of New Market, and the Interstate 90 corridor between Fairmont and Albert Lea.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Central and East Central Minnesota and all of west central Wisconsin. This includes St Cloud, the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Eau Claire and Ladysmith.

Strong northwest winds from 35 to 45 mph are occurring across West Central Minnesota early this evening. Law enforcement agencies are reporting near zero visibilities in widespread blowing snow. Travel is not advised. The strong winds will work across south central and southeast Minnesota during the remainder of the evening and overnight hours with blizzard conditions occurring in these areas.

Heavy snow will continue across East Central Minnesota and western Wisconsin through the evening. The snow will slowly taper off during the night. Snowfall rates from 1 to 2 inches per hour will occur. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches are likely across much of eastern and southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Over a foot of snow is likely along a line from Albert Lea to the eastern Twin Cities metro. New richmond, and Rice Lake.

Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon CST Friday.

•     Timing: Heavy snow will continue tonight. The snow will taper off early Friday morning.
•     Main impact: extremely difficult travel conditions. Especially in open areas where 2 to 3 foot drifts may develop.
•     Snow accumulations: 6 to 12 inches, heaviest over East Central Minnesota and west central Wisconsin. This includes the Twin Cities. Totals approaching 15 inches are likely across the eastern Twin Cities metro northeastward To New Richmond and Rice Lake.
•     Winds: West-northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph.
•     Visibility: a quarter to a half mile, except Whiteout conditions at times in open areas.
•     Other impacts: Wind Chill readings will fall into the teens below zero late tonight and Friday morning.

Source: http://www.google.org