Everything is still on track for a winter storm system that will bring blizzard conditions to much of the region from Sunday morning through early Monday. Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings are in effect for much of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa from Sunday morning through Monday morning.
TIMING: Snow will develop late Saturday night into Sunday morning across South Dakota, then move east into Minnesota from Sunday morning through Sunday night.
AMOUNTS: The heaviest snow will likely fall from central into eastern Minnesota, where 3 to 6 or more inches is likely. Amounts could be even heavier east of I-35. I’ll be watching locations across western Minnesota and along I-29 closely. These areas are closer to the cutoff and there’s a bit more uncertainty there. How far west the heavier snow band sets up is still the biggest question mark going into the weekend.
WIND AND BLIZZARD POTENTIAL: Wind will be the biggest part of this system. Northwest wind gusts ramp up quickly Sunday and stay strong through Sunday night, with gusts potentially reaching 35 to 45 mph in many areas. Even where snowfall amounts are lower, the wind could still cause blowing snow and reduced visibility, especially Sunday afternoon and evening. Travel could get tricky in open areas if heavier snow overlaps with peak wind…