/Issued 5:01 PM CST, Wednesday, February 19, 2014/
5 PM snowfall map update: I adjusted the totals a bit compared to my map from earlier Today. More changes are possible through Tomorrow Morning. Stay tuned.
Possible storm tracks for Thursday-Friday AM. Looks like tracks 3 or 4 will probably verify. 1 and 2 are starting to look less likely.
Here’s the latest on Thursday’s storm:
*18z NAM has trended west compared to the 12z run. This new run takes the low west of Lake Michigan again, basically what they had been showing prior to the 06z and 12z runs from earlier Today.
*A more westerly track and earlier phase to this storm would increase the odds for a significant winter storm across Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.
*GFS 18z run really pushed the track toward the west and gives the Northland a pretty good wallop with significant snow, wind, and blowing snow.
*EURO and CANADIAN models (12z run) also support a winter storm affecting NE MN and NW WI.
*Some snow may begin to break out over Western-Northwest parts of the Northland by late Tonight or else during the Morning hours on Thursday. It also wouldn’t surprise me if there is some freezing drizzle over parts of the area late Tonight and Thursday Morning.
*Snow should become more widespread and increase in intensity from south to north Thursday Afternoon with a snowy Thursday Night on tap.
*Wind speeds should really ramp up especially Tomorrow Night and Friday. Could see wind gusts of 25-35+ mph throughout the Northland.
*The combination of falling snow and increasing winds will lead to considerable blowing and drifting snow by Thursday Night with near whiteout conditions possible at times.
—————————-
Winter weather headlines
Source: National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota
*WINTER STORM WARNING*
A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of Northern, Northeast, and far Eastern Minnesota and for all of Northwest Wisconsin.
Timing:
6 AM Thursday until 6 AM CST Friday.
Counties included in the warning:
Cook MN
Lake MN
Koochiching MN
Itasca MN
St. Louis MN
Carlton MN
Pine MN
Douglas WI
Bayfield WI
Ashland WI
Iron WI
Burnett WI
Washburn WI
Sawyer WI
Price WI
Some cities included in the warning:
Grand Portage
Hovland
Grand Marais
Lutsen
Silver Bay
Finland
Isabella
Two Harbors
International Falls
Northome
Littlefork
Togo
Bigfork
Grand Rapids
Ely
Orr
Crane Lake
Hibbing
Floodwood
Duluth
Cloquet
Wright
Moose Lake
Hinckley
Sandstone
Pine City
Superior
Solon Springs
Port Wing
Cornucopia
Bayfield
Washburn
Ashland
High Bridge
Mellen
Clam Lake
Butternut
Gile
Hurley
Upson
Montreal
Siren
Danbury
Grantsburg
Minong
Shell Lake
Spooner
Trego
Hayward
Exeland
Winter
Park Falls
Phillips
Ogema
Fifield
Discussion:
Snow is forecast to develop Thursday Morning with snow continuing into Thursday Night before tapering off from southwest to northeast Friday Morning. Snow could become heavy at times especially from Thursday Afternoon through Thursday Evening.
Total snowfall accumulations:
5-12″ of snow is possible by Friday Morning in the warning area. The greatest amounts which could exceed 12″ are expected to be over Northwest Wisconsin and also over the Arrowhead of Minnesota.
Winds/Visibility:
Northwest winds will gust to 40 mph Thursday Night and Friday. Visibility as low as one quarter mile at times in snow and blowing snow.
Impacts:
Snow covered roads will make driving extremely difficult. There will be considerable blowing and drifting snow and near whiteout conditions at times Thursday Afternoon and Thursday Night especially in rural areas. The snow will be the heavy wet variety. When clearing snow after the storm make sure you take breaks and drink plenty of water.
**A winter storm warning for heavy snow means heavy snow accumulation is anticipated and that snowfall rates of one inch per hour or greater can be expected at times. Expect snow covered roads and visibility less than one quarter mile. If you must travel exercise extreme caution and allow extra time to reach your destination. Let someone know your travel route and expected arrival time and have a working cell phone in case you become stranded. Keep a winter storm survival kit in your vehicle including a flashlight, food, and water. If you choose to travel be aware that you may become stranded and that it may take many hours for help to arrive**
———————
*WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY*
A winter weather advisory has been issued for a small part of East Central Minnesota.
Timing:
6 AM Thursday until 6 AM CST Friday.
County included in the advisory:
Aitkin MN
Some cities included in the advisory:
Hill City
McGregor
Aitkin
Discussion:
Snow is forecast to develop early Thursday Morning with snow continuing into Thursday Evening before tapering off late Thursday Night or Friday Morning.
Total snowfall accumulations:
3-8″ of snow is possible by Friday Morning with the greatest amounts over the Eastern portion of Aitkin County.
Winds/Visibility:
Increasing northwest winds Thursday Night and Friday will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow.
Impacts:
Roads will become snow covered and slippery. Falling snow will reduce visibility so be sure to use caution while traveling. The snow will be the heavy wet variety. When clearing snow after the storm make sure you take breaks and drink plenty of water.
**A winter weather advisory for snow means that accumulating snow will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and reduced visibility. Use caution while driving. Allow extra time to reach your destination**
——————
Pink=Winter Storm Warning
Red=Blizzard Warning
Purple=Winter Weather Advisory
Source: HAMweather.com
Tim
Leave a Reply