After a warm start to the week, things are taking a turn for the worse, especially if you have travel plans as winter weather is storming back ahead of Daylight Saving weekend.
Earlier, the National Weather Service was busy issuing many Winter Storm Warnings, impacting over 26 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. While the cities included in those warnings are expected to experience dangerous conditions, including slippery roads, strong winds, reduced visibilities, downed tree branches, and more, those areas won’t see the worst of this storm system.
The worst conditions are expected to be found in southern Minnesota and into Iowa and the National Weather Service has officially issued a series of Blizzard Warnings.
Minnesota Blizzard Warning #1
This warning impacts the Minnesota cities of Faribault, Red Wing, Mankato, Fairmont, Albert Lea, Le Sueur, Waseca, Owatonna, St James, and Blue Earth.
- WHAT: Blizzard conditions are expected with total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches and winds gusting 45 to 55 mph.
- WHERE: Blue Earth, Faribault, Freeborn, Le Sueur, Martin, Rice, Steele, Waseca, Watonwan, and Goodhue Counties.
- WHEN: From 9 PM Tuesday to 3 PM CST Wednesday.
- IMPACTS: Whiteout conditions are expected and travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
- PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions.
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Blizzard Warning #2
This warning includes the Minnesota cities of Austin, Rochester, Wabasha, Preston, and Winona.
- WHAT: Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches with winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
- WHERE: Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona Counties.
- WHEN: From midnight tonight to 3 PM CST Wednesday.
- IMPACTS: Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
- PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. In Minnesota, visit 511mn.org for road conditions.
Blizzard Warning #3
This warning impacts Dodge Center in Minnesota.
- WHAT: Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches with winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
- WHERE : Dodge County
- WHEN: From 9 PM Tuesday to 3 PM CST Wednesday.
- IMPACTS: Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
- PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Visit 511mn.org for road conditions.
Blizzard Warning #4
This warning includes portions of southwest Minnesota and northwest and west central Iowa, including the cities of Hartley, Spencer, Windom, Holstein, Milford, Ida Grove, Sheldon, Mountain Lake, Sanborn, Lakefield, Jackson, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, Cherokee, Battle Creek, and Arnolds Park.
- WHAT: Blizzard conditions are expected with total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph are possible.
- WHERE: Portions of northwest and west central Iowa and southwest Minnesota.
- WHEN: From 7 PM Tuesday to noon CST Wednesday.
- IMPACTS: Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.
- PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
RELATED: Over 26 Minnesota, Wisconsin Counties Now In Winter Storm Warnings
Blizzard Warning #5
This warning also includes both Minnesota and Iowa, including the cities of Worthington, Hendricks, Sibley, Lake Benton, Tyler, Marshall, Fulda, Slayton, and Ivanhoe.
- WHAT: Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.
- WHERE: In Iowa, Osceola County. In Minnesota, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, and Nobles Counties.
- WHEN: From 4 PM Tuesday to 6 AM CST Wednesday.
- IMPACTS: Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage
- PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
It’s extremely important to note that if you had plans to travel through Iowa, there are also a series of additional Blizzard Warnings impacting many counties in that state, including areas in North Central and Central Iowa…