…HEAVY SNOW, STRONG WINDS IMPACTING TRAVEL…
.Bands of snow continue to push northward across the region, and will
persist through the afternoon hours. The main snow band, capable of
producing a narrow 8+ inch strip of heavy wet snow, still looks to
extend from north central Iowa, across southeast Minnesota into
northeast Wisconsin. Visibilities 1/4 mile or less were common with
the heaviest snow with 1″ per hour snowfall rates.
North winds were gusting 40 to 55 mph across northern Iowa, and
winds will continue on the increase north and east of there moving
into the afternoon. The strongest winds, when coupled with the
heavier snowfall rates, will be capable of white-out conditions.
While some roads have remained wet from the snow, where the snowfall
was heavier they quickly become snow covered and slick to hazardous.
An additional travel hazard to the reduced visibilties. Expect
travel conditions to worsen through the afternoon across much of
southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa where the snow and winds will
be at their peaks. Check on the latest road condition and forecasts
before heading out. Adjust, abandon travel plans if conditions
warrant it.
* WHAT…Heavy snow. Additional accumulations between 1 and 6
inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of southeast Minnesota and central, north
central, and west central Wisconsin.
* WHEN…Until 10 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery to hazardous road conditions. The
hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening commute.
Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.