Storm update: Blizzard whiteout; no travel advised in Red River Valley
High winds and blowing snow spread across Minnesota Saturday
Our latest major winter storm was about an hour late to the party. But it’s making up for lost time.
Blizard conditions are raging in the Red River Valley with near-zero visibility. MnDOT has advised no travel for the Fargo, N.D., -Moorhead, Minn., area due to whiteout conditions.
Here’s the latest briefing from the Grand Forks, N.D., National Weather Service on condition in the Red River Valley area.
Blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings continue into Saturday.
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Snow continues overnight
Snowfall continues in much of Minnesota overnight. Snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour materialized in the Twin Cities Friday afternoon. Snowfall intensity will be lighter in the Twin Cities Friday night and should end by around 9 a.m. Saturday. A dry slot to the south of the Twin Cities will ease snowfall coverage there.
Here are some snowfall totals as of early Friday evening.
Roseville: 2.3 inches
Burnsville: 2.8 inches
Victoria: 3 inches
Clearwater, Minn.: 3.9 inches
Albert Lea, Minn.: 4.5 inches
Mankato, Minn.: 5 inches
Olivia, Minn.: 6 inches
Overall snowfall totals may be highest along the North Shore. But most of Minnesota will be plowing out from a big pile Saturday.
High winds: Blowing snow
Saturday’s biggest challenge centers on high winds and blowing snow. Gust over 40 mph whip loose snow airborne all day across western Minnesota. Gust over 30 to near 40 mph buffet the Twin Cities Saturday afternoon.
Milder late next week
The upper air pattern suggests a shot of Pacific air late next week. Highs in the 30s look likely. The deep freeze won't last all week.
Stay safe out there.