Good afternoon everyone! Heavy bands of snow continue to setup across eastern SD and portions of western/northern MN as of 3:40pm CST, which will continue to be the theme as we progress through the nighttime hours as well. Scattered light snow showers are more prevalent in southern ND and western SD. Further southeast of the heavy band, light to moderate rains are impacting southeastern MN, including Minneapolis.
Here are the latest weather bulletins issued across the area, which includes Blizzard Warnings in central/northeastern SD, the eastern half of ND and then portions of far western MN. Winter Storm Warnings continue for most in southeastern SD and most of northern MN. This is a very impactful system that is leading to significant reductions in visibility, blowing and drifting snow, and blizzard conditions.
Simulated radar through 6am CST Friday: Targeting eastern SD into central and northern MN for the heaviest snow this evening into tonight as more banding features show up due to frontogenesis (development of a boundary that aids in lift) and we work in the additional snows from the Central Plains. Lighter, more scattered snows will be more common in western SD and southeastern/southern ND, though these areas will start to lose coverage late evening through the overnight. Rains in southeastern MN will persist into the evening, but colder air working in will help to transition some of these rain showers to snow, especially as we head deeper into the night. By 6am CST Sunday, ND will be clear of any precipitation while lighter snows linger in southeastern SD and southern MN.
As previously stated, the focus of lighter snows will be draped in southeastern SD into southern MN Friday morning as these areas will remain with some scattered upper-level energy. This energy (associated with a developing shortwave trough) will slowly push and exit eastward through the day, but not before adding additional light snow accumulations in these areas.
Simulated radar from 6am CST-8pm CST Friday: Light snows falling in southeastern SD and southern MN Friday morning will gradually lift eastward through the daytime hours with SD clearing this precipitation by 1pm CST and southern MN by 9pm CST. At this point in time, the region will be virtually dry as many will be continuing to dig out from the hefty snow accumulations that fell for many across the area.
Very strong wind gusts will persist through the remainder of the evening hours into tonight, especially across the eastern two-thirds of the Dakotas into western/central MN, leading to blowing and drifting snow. Wind gusts approaching 45mph at times will not be unheard of in these areas, which will reduce visibilities down to near zero for many hours. These strong winds and lower visibilities will lead to blizzard conditions, especially in the blizzard-warned areas. Major travel issues are expected in the areas that observe heavy snow and blizzard conditions with continued issues likely even after the snow comes to an end.
The winds combined with dropping temperatures will also lead to brutal wind chills tonight and Friday morning dropping into the -20s, especially in eastern ND and northwestern MN. Elsewhere will observe very cold wind chills well below 0ºF, though the southeastern portions of MN will likely still stay above 0ºF with wind chills. Frostbite will be a major concern with these dropping wind chills.
Here’s a look at our updated forecast for additional snowfall through Friday: Additional accumulations ranging from 6-10″ is expected in eastern SD into portions of western/northern MN, though at this point in time the lower end amount is more likely. Elsewhere, snow will be coming to an end this evening with additional snow accumulations dropping off the further west you head. Southeastern MN could receive very light snow accumulations from the weak shortwave trough Friday.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great rest of your day!