Blizzard rages: Roads shut, hurricane-force winds down trees on the North Shore

The well-hyped Blizzard delivered in spades on Friday. Weather satellites allow him to observe blizzard plumes over 1,100 miles from Winnepeg to Ohio and beyond.

Highways in Southern and Western Minnesota were closed. Sustained 40 mph winds with 51 mph gusts blew fluffy snow into a raging blizzard, sometimes reducing visibility from less than a quarter mile to near zero for her.

Also, hurricane-force gusts of wind exceeding 70 mph along the North Shore knocked down trees in and around the Grand Marais and wreaked havoc on the weather.

Snowstorm warnings are in effect for much of eastern Dakota, western and southern Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan through 6 a.m. Saturday.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGES National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 128 PM CST Fri Dec 23 2022 …GROUND BLIZZARD and DANGEROUSLY COLD CONTINUSIONS ROUGH SATURDAY MORNING INTO SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA… …TODAY TO SATURDAY TRAVEL MORNING is impossible and potentially life threatening…

Dangerous blizzard conditions continue across Midwest and Midsouth Minnesota. Widespread gusts of 35 to 45 miles per hour have caused significant snowstorms and snow drifts, and many counties are now clearing plows from roads in those counties. Blowing snow from central and eastern central Minnesota to western Wisconsin with 30 to 40 mph wind gusts creates hazardous travel conditions, but not blizzard conditions.

This event can be life threatening if you are stuck in wind chill in the minus 30 to 45 degrees range. Avoid traveling, especially during heavy snow warnings. Also, snow left on trees from previous storms and strong winds can cause tree damage and power outages when temperatures drop below freezing.

Includes the cities of Morris, Glenwood, Madison, Benson, Montevideo, Wilmar, Granite Falls, Olivia, Redwood Falls, New Ulm, St. James and Fairmont

128 PM CST Fri Dec 23 2022 …blizzard warning in effect until 6am CST Saturday… …wind chill warning in effect until noon Saturday CST…

* WHAT… blizzard warning, in case of blizzard conditions. Winds are blowing at 50 mph. As for the wind chill alarm, the wind is blowing dangerously cold. The wind chills down to 40 degrees below zero.

* WHERE… Central, South Central, Southwest, and parts of West Central Minnesota.

* When…by 6am CST on Saturday for blizzard warnings. As for the wind chill warning, he’ll be here by noon CST on Saturday.

* Impact… Severe snowstorms can significantly reduce visibility. A gust of wind can knock over tree branches. Dangerously cold wind chill can cause frostbite on exposed skin in just 10 minutes.

Precautions/preparedness actions… Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, bring your winter survival kit. If you get stuck, stay in your car. Avoid outdoor activities if possible. Always wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves when outside. You can get the latest road conditions in the state you are calling by calling 5 1 1. You can also check road conditions at 511mn.org for Minnesota and 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

A winter weather advisory and cold weather warning are in effect for the Twin Cities and much of the region.

Includes the cities of Minneapolis, Blaine, St. Paul, and Stillwater

128 PM CST Fri Dec 23 2022

…winter weather warning in effect until 6:00 am Saturday… …wind and cold warning in effect until noon Saturday… …winter storm warning has been lifted. ..

* For WHAT…Wind Chill Advisory, it’s a very cold wind chill. The wind chills down to minus 35 degrees. Winter weather advisory for blizzard. The wind is blowing 40mph.

* WHERE… Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington counties.

* When…Noon Saturday CST for Wind Chill Advisory. Winter weather information by 6am CST on Saturday.

* Impact… Severe snowstorms can significantly reduce visibility. Cold wind chill can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

This storm is not over.

Travel wisely and safely as we move from night to Saturday morning.Travel conditions remain very difficult on Saturday until winds subside in the afternoon and road crews clear the roads.

weekend forecast

Weather will improve from Saturday afternoon through Sunday noon.

The Clipper system will see snow on Sunday afternoon and Sunday night. NOAA’s NAM 3 km model tracks the system from noon Sunday to midnight Monday.

The heaviest snowfall will favor southwestern Minnesota, but the Twin Cities are likely to see some snow cover. It’s early, but the model suggests another arable event is possible.

Minnesota, stay safe this weekend.