Today’s Video:
Good morning everyone! The beginnings of our snowstorm is upon us as areas of snow are starting to fall across the Dakotas. We’ll find as we progress through the day that snow coverage and intensity will pick up with many in MN also going to receive heavy snow especially tonight and tomorrow.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for the eastern two-thirds of the Dakotas and the northern half of MN while Winter Weather Advisories cover the western third of the Dakotas and then the Minneapolis area. Heavy snow accumulations are expected in the Winter Storm Warned areas.
Areas of frontogenesis (area of enhanced lift due to a developing boundary) will help to promote heavy snow development continuing in portions of the eastern Dakotas and northwestern MN tomorrow afternoon (first image). By evening (second image) the greatest focus for banding will be situated in northern MN, which could very well overachieve given the frontogenesis. However, areas of snow will be continuing over a large majority of MN, SD and southeastern ND.
Here’s a look at total snowfall through Friday: We’re eyeing a heavy, long-hitting snowstorm to hit the region through Friday that will bring widespread 6-12″+ of snow for most with the bullseye for snow being located in southeastern ND, eastern SD and northern MN where 12-18″+ is most likely. Along with the heavy snow will be the strong winds which will likely gust over 40mph at times, which will lead to blowing and drifting snow along with near-blizzard conditions. Definitely be mindful if traveling as roads will be snow covered and hazardous. Blowing and drifting snow will continue to be a problem in the Dakotas late Thursday into Friday after the storm passes.
Here’s a look at temperatures over the next four days: Quite cold overnight lows should be expected Friday night due to the storm system ushering in cold air behind it. Many in the eastern Dakotas into MN will fall well below 0ºF.
Here’s a look at winds over the next four days:
Here’s a look at wind chills on Friday morning:
Here’s a look at the city charts over the next 10 days for Fargo, Bismarck, Minneapolis and Sioux Falls:
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great day!