Heavy snow with blizzard conditions is expected Thursday evening across parts of the region. Snow showers will begin spreading in from the southwest around mid-afternoon, intensifying after 5 p.m. in the Ports area.
The snow will continue to fall heavily overnight, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. These winds will create blizzard conditions especially along the North Shore and near the head of the lake.
Snow totals are forecasted to accumulate between 5 to 10 inches in most areas. The North Shore is likely to see even higher totals, ranging from 6 to 12 inches. Areas farther south will experience lighter snowfall amounts.
Wind and Weather Conditions
Winds will come from the east, sustaining speeds between 15 and 35 mph. These strong and gusty winds will significantly reduce visibility and cause hazardous travel conditions during the night.
Thursday morning will start with some sunshine but cloud cover will increase as the day progresses. Clear skies and light winds are expected Wednesday night, with temperatures dropping into the teens and single digits.
Friday Weather Outlook
Lingering snow showers will taper off Friday morning moving from west to east. Skies will gradually clear, with afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 20s to low 30s. Winds will shift to the northwest with speeds of 10 to 20 mph.
Weekend Forecast
Saturday’s weather should be calmer with partly sunny skies. A slight chance of flurries might occur later in the day in southern locations. Temperatures will remain in the upper 20s to lower 30s with southwest winds.
The threat of a snow system arriving Saturday night into Sunday has diminished according to the latest models. Most of the heavy snow is now expected over southern Minnesota, but forecasts could still change. Updates will be necessary as the weekend approaches.
Travelers and residents should prepare for challenging conditions Thursday night and stay tuned for further weather alerts. The combination of moderate to heavy snow and strong winds could lead to hazardous roadways and reduced visibility.
For continuous weather updates and alerts, downloading local weather applications is recommended to stay informed about evolving conditions.
