It's here: High winds, blowing snow as major storm moves in
Heavy snow this afternoon will foul up evening commute
A crippling winter storm is already starting to bring in snow and increase winds for parts of Minnesota Friday morning, and conditions will deteriorate across the state through the day.
Temperatures
Let’s start on a positive note before breaking down the snowstorm. Except for parts of northeastern Minnesota, the entire state is above zero this morning, and everyone will see above average highs Friday.
In fact, for most of the state, temperatures will continue to rise through the evening, setting the highs at the end of the day. Here are the temperatures expected Friday afternoon:
As fair warning, while the storm warms us Friday, it sends temperatures crashing already by Saturday, so it’s only a brief reprieve from the cold.
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Heavy snow and high winds
With the exception of Houston County in southeastern Minnesota, which is under a winter weather advisory, the entire state is under a winter storm warning as of Friday morning as heavy snow and high winds make their way into the state.
Snow is already falling in parts of the Arrowhead, enhanced by winds off of Lake Superior. More snow is also pushing into western and southwestern Minnesota, with the core of the moisture currently southwest of the state.
The snow will continue to spread eastward through the morning, and by Friday afternoon, the entire state will see snow, and portions of southwestern and northwest Minnesota could also see some freezing rain mix in.
For most places the heaviest snow is likely Friday afternoon or evening, meaning a treacherous evening commute.
The majority of the state has the potential to see up to 6 inches of snow through Saturday, with many areas above that. Up to a foot is possible for the North Shore thanks to lake enhancement.
High winds will also spread across the state on Friday, blowing the snow and reducing visibility to whiteout conditions at times.
By Saturday, blizzard conditions are possible for western Minnesota. An extended Updraft will be posted around 9 a.m. with that extended forecast.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.