Justin Liles: Heavy snow and gusty winds tonight

A large winter system will affect the Northland tonight through Thursday night. The bulk of the snow falls tonight through Thursday midday. It looks like 5-8” snow is possible from the Brainerd Lakes area to the Twin Ports and south. As much as 8-15” of snow is possible across NW WI and Pine county. Lake enhanced snowfall of 12-18” along the South Shore are possible with strong winds and whiteout conditions.

The Bayfield, Ashland, Washburn and any other surrounding communities are in the cross hair for these conditions. There is a less likelihood for heavy snow the farther north you go. The Iron Range may only see 2-4”. Winds will also be a problem. The South Shore and Twin Ports could see wind gusts up to 45-55 mph off the lake. Strong northeast winds will build waves to 10-20 feet over the along the shoreline of Lake Superior. A Lakeshore Flood Watch has been issued from Two Harbors to the Twin Ports.

A Blizzard warning has been issued for Bayfield and Ashland Counties beginning Wednesday evening. These winds may also lead to dangerously cold wind chills possible over northern Minnesota tonight through Friday. Wind chills of -20F to -35F are possible. The good news is warm weather along with some sunshine returns this weekend.

TONIGHT
Snow likely with a chance of flurries before 4am, then a slight chance of snow between 4am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5. Blustery, with a north wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
WEDNESDAY
A chance of flurries between 11am and 2pm, then a slight chance of snow after 2pm. Patchy blowing snow after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 14. Windy, with a northeast wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Snow, mainly after midnight. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow, mainly after 11pm. Low around 3. Windy, with a northeast wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
THURSDAY
Snow. Widespread blowing snow, mainly before 10am. High near 7. Windy, with a north wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
FRIDAY
Mostly sunny, with a high near 10. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
SATURDAY
Partly sunny, with a high near 20. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
SUNDAY
Sunny, with a high near 26. West wind around 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.