Friday snow; chilly through the weekend
What a difference one week makes!
Our official high temperature hit 78 degrees last Friday in the Twin Cities metro area.
This Friday it's snowing, with high temps in the upper 30s.
Snow summary
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Snow will continue Friday morning and early afternoon over most of eastern Minnesota, then the back edge of the snow will slide eastward later Friday afternoon and this evening.
The snow could be mixed with rain at times in east-central and southeastern Minnesota.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's North American Mesoscale forecast model shows the potential precipitation pattern into Friday evening:
Green areas in the simulated radar loop indicate rain, blue areas are snow.
Temperatures in the lowest level of the atmosphere will be marginal for snow at times, so blue areas could be a rain-snow mix at times, especially near the Twin Cities metro area.
The far eastern part of the Twin Cities metro area could see an inch or so of snow accumulation, while the far western part of the seven county metro area could see 2 to 3 inches accumulate on grassy surfaces.
Isolated higher snow amounts are also possible to the west.
Many spots in northern Minnesota have already seen several inches of snow, with more on the way.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DULUTH MN
823 AM CDT FRI OCT 27 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0545 AM SNOW 1 E TAFT 46.99N 92.31W
10/27/2017 M1.0 INCH ST. LOUIS MN COCORAHS
COCORAHS STATION MN-SL-107, TAFT.
0600 AM SNOW 3 WNW MAHTOWA 46.59N 92.69W
10/27/2017 M3.5 INCH CARLTON MN COCORAHS
0600 AM SNOW 3 ENE WRIGHT 46.69N 92.95W
10/27/2017 M1.8 INCH CARLTON MN CO-OP OBSERVER
CO-OP OBSERVER STATION WRIM5, 3 E WRIGHT.
0600 AM SNOW 3 E COTTON 47.17N 92.41W
10/27/2017 M2.0 INCH ST. LOUIS MN CO-OP OBSERVER
CO-OP OBSERVER STATION COTM5, 3 SE COTTON.
0600 AM SNOW 6 SSW GRAND RAPIDS 47.15N 93.57W
10/27/2017 M4.8 INCH ITASCA MN COCORAHS
0600 AM SNOW 4 ESE CASINO 46.40N 94.46W
10/27/2017 M3.0 INCH CASS MN COCORAHS
0630 AM SNOW 8 NNW COLERAINE 47.41N 93.49W
10/27/2017 M2.0 INCH ITASCA MN CO-OP OBSERVER
CO-OP OBSERVER STATION GRBM5, 12 N GRAND RAPIDS.
0630 AM HEAVY SNOW CHISHOLM 47.49N 92.88W
10/27/2017 M8.3 INCH ST. LOUIS MN COCORAHS
COCORAHS STATION MN-SL-15, CHISHOLM.
0639 AM SNOW 1 NW BRAINERD 46.36N 94.21W
10/27/2017 M0.9 INCH CROW WING MN CO-OP OBSERVER
0700 AM SNOW NORTHOME 47.87N 94.27W
10/27/2017 M6.4 INCH KOOCHICHING MN CO-OP OBSERVER
0700 AM SNOW HOVLAND 47.84N 89.97W
10/27/2017 M1.0 INCH COOK MN COCORAHS
0700 AM SNOW 4 W GRAND MARAIS 47.76N 90.43W
10/27/2017 M2.1 INCH COOK MN COCORAHS
0700 AM SNOW 1 WSW TAMARACK 46.65N 93.14W
10/27/2017 M2.5 INCH AITKIN MN COCORAHS
0700 AM SNOW HOLYOKE 46.47N 92.39W
10/27/2017 E2.1 INCH CARLTON MN TRAINED SPOTTER
0700 AM SNOW 3 NNE FINLAND 47.45N 91.22W
10/27/2017 M7.0 INCH LAKE MN CO-OP OBSERVER
Notice the 8.3 inches reported at Chisholm, Minn., in St. Louis county!
Some power outages are being reported in northeastern Minnesota:
This Friday morning greeting is from Ely, Minn.:
Potential storm totals after Friday's additional snow could look like this, according to the National Weather Service:
Minnesota Department of Transportation plow cams offer a unique view of the snow:
Warnings and advisories
Winter storm warnings for heavy snow and blowing and drifting snow continue until noon Friday in northern St. Louis county and most of Cook and Lake counties of northeastern Minnesota:
Here are the details:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Duluth MN
654 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...SNOW AND STRONG WIND FOR AREAS OF NORTHLAND TODAY INTO
SATURDAY...
.A strong Alberta Clipper will continue affecting the Northland
today and tonight, bringing periods of snow and strong wind.
There will be lingering light to moderate intensity snowfall
across much of northeast Minnesota this morning, combined with
gusty winds, which will cause low visibility. The snow will
become light by this afternoon.
Snow will develop across northern Wisconsin early this evening
and continue with lingering lake effect snow showers through
Saturday morning. Heavy snowfall is forecast for areas along and
near the Gogebic Range, and light to moderate snowfall across the
Bayfield Peninsula early this evening through tonight. The snow
will be accompanied by gusty winds tonight and early Saturday,
which will cause low visibility.
If you will be traveling across northeast Minnesota this morning,
or across northern Wisconsin tonight and early Saturday, be sure
to exercise caution on the roads and anticipate longer travel
times.
MNZ011-012-271700-
/O.CON.KDLH.WS.W.0005.000000T0000Z-171027T1700Z/
North St. Louis-Northern Cook/Northern Lake-
Including the cities of Ely and Isabella
654 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CDT TODAY...
* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Gusts of 20 to 30 mph. Moderate
to heavy intensity snowfall will gradually become light by this
afternoon. Additional snowfall accumulations of 1 to 2 inches,
adding up to a total of 5 to 8 inches when including what has
likely already fallen.
* WHERE...Northern St. Louis, northern Lake, and northern Cook
Counties.
* WHEN...through this morning.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in
visibility and difficult travel conditions.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for Minnesota can be
obtained by calling 511 in state, or 1-800-542-0220. For
Wisconsin, call 511 in state, or 1-866-511-9472
Winter weather advisories cover the remainder of northeastern Minnesota and much of central Minnesota until noon.
Hennepin, Carver and Scott counties of the western Twin Cities metro area are included in the winter weather advisory until noon:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
424 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...Snow and Strong Wind Will Affect Much of Central, West Central,
Southwest, and South Central Minnesota Today...
.Snow in northern Minnesota will spread southward across central
and into southern Minnesota late today, and a winter weather
advisory is in effect through Friday midday. Snowfall will vary
from 1 to 3 inches with a few spots in the 2-4" range along and
west of a line from Mora to Lake Minnetonka to Faribault and
Albert Lea. Converted much of far western MN to a Wind Advisory as
little snow is expected to accumulate there.
The central and eastern portions of the Twin Cities, as well as
west central Wisconsin, should only see an inch or less of snow.
Strong winds will make conditions worse in the falling snow,
especially in rural areas. Expect winds of 20 to 30 mph with
gusts to 45 mph west of Interstate 35.
MNZ042>045-049>051-058>060-066>069-271700-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-171027T1700Z/
Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stearns-Benton-Sherburne-Meeker-
Wright-Hennepin-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-
Including the cities of Long Prairie, Little Falls, Princeton,
Mora, St Cloud, Foley, Elk River, Litchfield, Monticello,
Minneapolis, Hutchinson, Gaylord, Chaska, and Shakopee
424 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CDT
TODAY...
* WHAT...Snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions,
including during the morning commute. In addition, some
reductions to visibility are expected. Tree branches could
fall as well. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches
are expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central Minnesota and east central
Minnesota.
* WHEN...Until noon today.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will
cause patchy blowing and drifting snow.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
South-central Minnesota is in a winter weather advisory until 7 p.m. Friday:
Details for south-central Minnesota, from the NWS:
MNZ075>077-083>085-092-093-271730-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-171028T0000Z/
Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Blue Earth-Waseca-Steele-Faribault-
Freeborn-
Including the cities of St Peter, Le Sueur, Faribault, Mankato,
Waseca, Owatonna, Blue Earth, and Albert Lea
424 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...
* WHAT...Wet snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions,
including during the morning commute. In addition, some
reductions to visibility are expected. Additional wet snow
accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected.
* WHERE...Portions of south central Minnesota.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM today.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will
cause patchy blowing and drifting snow.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Winter Weather Advisory for wet snow means periods of wet snow
will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow
covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while
driving. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling
from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
_____________________________________________________________________________
10 a.m. update
The National Weather Service has extended the winter weather advisory for central Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area until 2 p.m. this Friday, and has added the east metro and parts of western Wisconsin to the advisory.
Here's an updated advisory/warning map:
Advisory details look like this:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1004 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...Snow and Strong Wind Will Affect Much of Central and Southern
Minnesota into Far Western Wisconsin Today...
.Snow in northern Minnesota will spread southward across central
and into southern Minnesota late today, and a winter weather
advisory is in effect through early Friday afternoon. Snowfall
will vary from 1 to 3 inches with a few spots in the 2 to 4 inch
range along and west of a line from Mora to Lake Minnetonka to
Faribault and Albert Lea.
The advisory has been expanded into far eastern Minnesota and
across into far western Wisconsin as snow amounts may reach the
2 to 3 inch range.
Strong winds will make conditions worse in the falling snow,
especially in rural areas. Expect winds of 20 to 30 mph with
gusts to 45 mph west of Interstate 35.
MNZ042>045-049>053-058>063-066>070-WIZ014-023-024-271900-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-171027T1900Z/
Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stearns-Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-
Chisago-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-McLeod-
Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Polk-St. Croix-Pierce-
Including the cities of Long Prairie, Little Falls, Princeton,
Mora, St Cloud, Foley, Elk River, Cambridge, Center City,
Litchfield, Monticello, Minneapolis, Blaine, St Paul, Stillwater,
Hutchinson, Gaylord, Chaska, Shakopee, Hastings, Osceola, Hudson,
River Falls, and Prescott
1004 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Wet snow occurring. Plan on slippery road conditions. In
addition, areas of poor visibility are expected. Additional snow
accumulations of 2 to 3 inches are expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central Minnesota, east central Minnesota,
northwest Wisconsin and west central Wisconsin.
* WHEN...Until 2 PM today.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will cause
areas of blowing and drifting snow.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Winter Weather Advisory for snow and blowing snow means periods
of snow and blowing snow will cause primarily travel
difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited
visibilities, and use caution while driving. The latest road
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by
calling 5 1 1.
A winter storm warning is also in effect for a portion of northwestern Wisconsin until 4 p.m. Friday.
Some details of the winter storm warning:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Duluth MN
945 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...SNOW AND STRONG WIND FOR AREAS OF NORTHLAND TODAY INTO
SATURDAY...
.A strong Alberta Clipper will continue affecting the Northland
today and tonight, bringing periods of snow and strong wind.
There will be lingering light to moderate intensity snowfall
across much of northeast Minnesota this morning, combined with
gusty winds, which will cause low visibility. The snow will
become light by this afternoon.
Snow will develop across northern Wisconsin early this evening
and continue with lingering lake effect snow showers through
Saturday morning. Heavy snowfall is forecast for areas along and
near the Gogebic Range, and light to moderate snowfall across the
Bayfield Peninsula early this evening through tonight. The snow
will be accompanied by gusty winds tonight and early Saturday,
which will cause low visibility.
If you will be traveling across northeast Minnesota this morning,
or across northern Wisconsin tonight and early Saturday, be sure
to exercise caution on the roads and anticipate longer travel
times.
WIZ002-271700-
/O.CAN.KDLH.WW.Y.0022.171027T2200Z-171028T1200Z/
/O.EXB.KDLH.WS.W.0005.000000T0000Z-171027T2100Z/
Bayfield-
Including the cities of Washburn and Bayfield
945 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2017
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...
* WHAT...Heavy wet snow occurring. Plan on difficult travel
conditions, including during the evening commute. Tree branches
could fall as well. Additional snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4
inches is expected today, adding up to a total of 6 to 10
inches when including what has likely already fallen.
* WHERE...Bayfield County.
* WHEN...Until 4 PM today.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in
visibility at times.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Winter Storm Warning for wet snow means severe winter weather
conditions are occurring. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for Minnesota can be
obtained by calling 511 in state, or 1-800-542-0220. For
Wisconsin, call 511 in state, or 1-866-511-9472
_______________________________________________________________________________
A wind advisory is in effect for much of western Minnesota Friday, for wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range.
Check with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the latest road conditions.
In addition to this blog, you can get winter storm updates on the Minnesota Public Radio Network, and on the MPR News live weather blog.
Chilly weekend
Minnesota will see plenty of sunshine on Saturday, with highs mostly in the 30s:
A few spots in the south could touch 40.
There's a chance of snow showers north and a rain-snow mix central and south on Sunday.
Highs Sunday will be mostly in the 40s, with some upper 30s northeast:
A few spots in the southwest could touch 50 degrees.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.