Ahead of Thanksgiving, Minnesota’s weather conditions will worsen Wednesday, with blowing snow expected to continue during the commute. Roads in various parts of the state also remained partly or completely covered in snow.
Rain turned to snow this afternoon in western Minnesota, according to the weather service. “The combination of falling snow and strong northwesterly winds (gusts 40-45+ mph) will result in difficult travel conditions.”
With the heaviest snow and gusty winds, there is also a chance of fading for a short time tonight.
According to a National Weather Service (NWS) winter storm warning, widespread light snow will drift from west to east across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin this morning.
The weather department added that further accumulations of around an inch are possible. Strong northwest winds 20 to 30 mph gusting to 45 mph will continue to lead to blowing snow.
Which areas see an impact?
By 9 a.m. CST: In Minnesota, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Scott, Blue Earth, Le Sueur and Watonwan, Dakota, Ramsey, Washington, Rice, Steele and Waseca counties. In Wisconsin, Polk County. Kanabec County, Barron, Rusk and St. Croix.
By 6pm CST tonight: Pine County. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Mille Lacs Band, Hinckley and Lena Lake.
Until midnight CST tonight: Carlton, South and Central Sts. Louis, Cook and Lake Counties. These include the Tribal Lands of the Bois Forte Band, the Lake Vermilion area, the Grand Portage Reservation, and the Fond du Lac Band. This also includes the Eastern and Central Boundary Waters.
Thursday through 7:00 PM EST: Expect heavy snow. Total snow accumulation between 3 and 8 inches. Parts of central and west central Michigan.
Forecast for Wisconsin
— Snow accumulation totals between 3 and 8 inches possible with the highest amounts in the northern part of each county.
— Oneida, Florence and Forest County could see an impact.
Preventive measures
— Plan on slippery roads.
— Traveling can be very difficult at times. Widespread snow could significantly reduce visibility.
— Hazardous conditions will affect the Wednesday morning commute.
— Gusty winds could blow down tree branches.
— Keep an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.
— Isolated power outages are possible.
Which schools are closed?
According to fox9, the snowstorm caused some schools to close, including — Harbon Montessori, King of Kings Lutheran, Lac Qui Parle Valley Schools, Lakeview Schools, LaPorte District, Menahga District, NRHEG, Nevis District, Pine River-Backus District, Redwood Area School District, Sartell District, Spectrum Walker High School, United Walker South-Acken Central District and others.
