Winter Storm Watch Issued: Blizzard Conditions, Over 8″ Snow Possible In Parts Of Minnesota
Winter Storm Watch Issued: Blizzard Conditions, Over 8" Snow Possible In Parts Of Minnesota
Last week, there was much speculation on a weather system that would likely impact the Northland, bringing the potential of snow, ice, and very strong winds. On Sunday, the National Weather Service in Duluth issued the first official advisory related to the upcoming storm.
The NWS issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of the Northland, which they shared through social media while also providing several graphics. It seems we can't put away our shovels quite yet.
The Winter Storm Watch that includes the Twin Ports area, as well as Two Harbors, Silver Bay, and Grand Marais begins Tuesday morning and covers 48 hours:
- WHAT: Near-Blizzard to Blizzard conditions possible. Snowfall accumulations around or greater than 6 inches possible and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch possible. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph.
- WHERE: Southern Lake, Southern Cook and Carlton, and South St. Louis Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Grand Portage Reservation and the Fond du Lac Band.
- WHEN: From Tuesday morning through Thursday morning.
- IMPACTS: Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Patchy, blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.
In a series of graphics, the National Weather Service laid out what is likely to unfold. The first of which shows the area where the best chance of heavy snow is. These areas or likely to experience over 6" of snow and other areas face potential flooding.
The next graphic detail the timing of the storm for parts of the Northland.
Another graphic shows there will be areas that could experience over 8" of snow, totals which could fluctuate based on the amount of mixed precipitation that is involved.
This graphic highlights the strong winds that will accompany this storm, which will bring blizzard or blizzard-like conditions, especially near Lake Superior.
A final graphic shows areas that may experience rain on snow, which could lead to flooding.
The National Weather Service will be providing updates as the date of impact nears.
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