…HEAVY SNOWFALL AND STRONG WINDS THIS EVENING INTO WEDNESDAY…
.Our messy early-Spring weather system is ongoing across portions of
the area this afternoon, with increasing winds as we transition to
snow resulting in significant visibility reductions and hazardous
travel. Rain will quickly change to snow from west central Minnesota
to south central Minnesota this evening into tonight. Winds
intensify from the north and become strong with gusts between 45 to
55
mph. The combination of these winds with falling snow will cause
significant visibility reductions with a period of blizzard
conditions expected. Blowing and drifting snow with whiteout
conditions, particularly in open areas, will make travel dangerous
at times tonight into a part of Wednesday morning. Even as the
falling snow ends, blowing snow and visibility restrictions may
persist. Conditions are expected to gradually improve later
Wednesday as the snow ends and winds slowly decrease.
* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and
9 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE…In Minnesota, Sibley, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota,
Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties. In Wisconsin,
Barron, Polk, and St. Croix Counties.
* WHEN…From 7 PM this evening to 3 PM CST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions
could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.
Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.