Brandon Weatherz: Winter storm continues through Thursday
[anvplayer video=”5152662″ station=”998130″]
All parts of the Northland are under either a Blizzard Warning, Winter Storm Warning, or Winter Weather Advisory until 6 pm Thursday.
An initial glaze of ice followed by accumulating snow has made for poor road conditions this morning. Expect additionally slick travel due to additional accumulation and poor visibility due to the combination of heavy snowfall rates and strong winds. The area of greatest concern for whiteout conditions is along the high terrain of the North Shore and down the I-35 corridor where the Blizzard Warning is in effect.
The responsible weather system will take its sweet time moving across the region, allowing snow to come in waves through Friday. A dry pocket begins in central Minnesota this afternoon and moves northeast this evening to bring some relief to the region. Meanwhile, the North Shore will have ongoing high snowfall rates through the evening.
Another wave of steady snowfall will sweep the Northland from the east overnight, bring more fresh accumulation and allowing for more difficult travel Thursday morning. Snowy conditions persist through the afternoon, then Thursday evening should bring a quieter period as the heavy snow is pushed behind the system towards North Dakota.
The bulk of accumulation will fall by the end of the day Thursday, but additional light snow is possible through the day Friday as the weather system continues to spin around western Lake Superior. Winds will be light by Friday as the area of low pressure centers over the Northland, but gusty winds will continue to be a factor in poor travel through Thursday. Temperatures remain mild through Friday, then cooler air arrives by Sunday and lasts into the start of next week.
A winter storm has brought difficult travel to the Northland for our Wednesday. Expect additional travel challenges through Thursday.
Today: Heavy snow and blowing snow. High 32. E wind 15-25 mph. Chance of snow: 100%. 5 to 8 inches of snow expected.
Tonight: Heavy snow and blowing snow. Low 30. E wind 15-20 mph G. Chance of snow: 100%. 4 to 7 inches of snow expected.
Tomorrow: Periods of snow and breezy. High 32. E 10-20 mph. Chance of snow: 90%. 2 to 5 inches of snow expected.
Tomorrow night: Snow showers. Low 26. NE wind 2-8 mph. Chance of snow: 60%. Around one inch of snow expected.
Friday: Snow showers. High 30. W wind 5-10 mph. Chance of snow: 50%. Less than an inch of snow expected.
Saturday: Cloudy with a chance for snow in the morning. High 26. NW wind 5-15 mph. Chance of snow: 30%
Sunday: Partly sunny and cooler. High 14. WNW wind 5-15 mph.
Monday: Partly sunny and cold. High 8. WNW wind 5-10 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny and cold. High 7. WNW wind 5-10 mph.