Justin Liles: Rain and winds pick up tonight

A strong low-pressure system that will affect the Northland this evening into the weekend. Moderate rain and strong northeast winds are expected. The highest rainfall is expected to fall across central Minnesota into Wisconsin, though totals over an inch will generally be south of Highway 70 by the end of the weekend. Rain accumulation is likely as far north as the Range Cities.

However, east central Minnesota and west central Wisconsin will see the most. An inch or more is possible around Hinckley, Trego, Spooner, and Hayward. Flooding is not likely as rainfall rates will be slower. Winds will be strong off the lake with gusts over 30-40 mph. A Lakeshore Flood Watch had been issued from 7am Friday to 4 am Saturday. Rain will linger along the south shore of Lake Superior Saturday. Conditions look to improve by Sunday.

Tonight
A slight chance of rain before midnight, then a slight chance of rain after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Breezy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Friday
Rain. High near 48. Breezy, with an east wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Saturday
A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.