Issued at 3:45 PM CST, Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
…Following headlines issued by the National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota…
*WINTER STORM WARNING*
Winter Storm Warning has been issued for parts of Eastcentral Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.
Timing:
6 AM CST Thursday through 6 AM CST Saturday.
Counties included in the warning:
Southern Cass MN…Crow Wing MN…Southern Aitkin MN…Pine MN…Burnett WI…And Washburn WI…
Some cities included in the warning:
Pine River MN…Pillager MN…Brainerd MN…Cross Lake MN…Aitkin MN…McGrath MN…McGregor MN…Pine City MN…Hinckley MN…Danbury WI…Grantsburg WI…Siren WI…Minong WI…Spooner WI…And Shell Lake WI…
Discussion:
A powerful winter storm will begin across the warning area by Wednesday Night as snow spreads north into Eastcentral Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. Snow will then continue heavy at times from Thursday into Friday with more snow at times from Friday Night into Saturday. Low pressure will develop across the Southern Plains on Wednesday and will deepen as it lifts north-northeast toward Southcentral Iowa on Friday. The low will then track into Northcentral or Eastern Wisconsin on Saturday. Warmer air wrapping around the low could cause some sleet or freezing rain to occur Thursday into Friday Morning mainly in Pine…Burnett…And Washburn Counties and this may effect snowfall totals in those areas.
Total snowfall accumulations of 8-14″ are expected in the warning area by Saturday with locally higher amounts possible.
In addition to the snow, look for east to northeast winds to increase to 15 to 25 mph which will cause blowing and drifting snow and near white-out conditions at times.
Travel will become extremely difficult if not impossible in the warning area from Thursday into Friday.
A winter storm warning for heavy snow and blowing snow means the combination of strong winds and falling and blowing snow will cause low visibility and drifting snow. Delay travel if possible. If you must travel…Use extreme caution and allow extra time to reach your destination. Be aware that you may become stranded and that it could take many hours for help to arrive. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle…Including a flashlight…Food…And water. Let someone know your travel route and expected arrival time and have a working cell phone in case you become stranded.
*WINTER STORM WATCH*
Winter Storm Watch is in effect for parts of Northeast and Northcentral Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.
Timing:
Thursday Morning through late Friday Night.
Counties included in the watch:
Koochiching MN…Itasca MN…Northern Cass MN…Northern Aitkin MN…Carlton MN…St. Louis MN…Lake MN…Cook MN…Douglas WI…Bayfield WI…Ashland WI…Iron WI…Sawyer WI…And Price WI…
Some cities included in the watch:
International Falls MN…Northome MN…Bigfork MN…Grand Rapids MN…Cass Lake MN…Walker MN…Remer MN…Hill City MN…Moose Lake MN…Esko MN…Duluth MN…Floodwood MN…Cotton MN…Hibbing MN…Cook MN…Babbitt MN…Crane Lake MN…Ely MN…Two Harbors MN…Whyte MN…Forest Center MN…Silver Bay MN…Tofte MN…Grand Marais MN…Grand Portage MN…Superior WI…Solon Springs WI…Port Wing WI…Bayfield WI…Ashland WI…Hurley WI…Hayward WI…Park Falls WI…And Phillips WI…
Discussion:
A powerful winter storm will begin across southern portions of the watch area late Wednesday Night and Thursday Morning as snow begins from south to north. Snow should reach the Iron Range…Arrowhead…And far Northern portions of Minnesota Thursday Afternoon. Snow, heavy at times will then persist through Friday across the watch area with additional snow at times from Friday Night through Saturday. Low pressure will develop across the Southern Plains on Wednesday and will deepen as it lifts north-northeast toward Southcentral Iowa on Friday. The low will then track into Northern or Eastcentral Wisconsin on Saturday. Warmer air wrapping around the low could cause some sleet or freezing rain to occur from Thursday into Friday Morning mainly in parts of Northwest Wisconsin which could limit snowfall totals in those areas.
Total snowfall accumulations of 6-14″ with localized higher amounts are expected in the watch area from Thursday through Saturday. The lower snowfall totals would be found over parts of Northwest Wisconsin.
In addition to the snow, look for east to northeast winds to increase to 15 to 25 mph with gusts over 30 mph developing near Lake Superior for Thursday and Friday. This will result in blowing and drifting snow with near white-out conditions at times.
Travel will become extremely difficult if not impossible across parts of the watch area later this week.
A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant accumulation of snow…sleet…or ice that may impact travel and commerce.
Tim
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