Video (7:00):
Good Monday morning everyone!
We are tracking snow that is already falling across portions of South Dakota and Minnesota this morning and putting down accumulating snow for much of the region. Here’s a look at the latest radar:
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for much of the area, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Warnings expanded east during the second wave of precipitation beginning later this evening.
Here is a look at the simulated radar for the entire event to early tomorrow afternoon when precipitation should end for the entire area.
Again, note we have two main waves of precipitation, one this morning and one that will begin later this evening. This will present two chances of accumulating snow for much of the region. The first wave looks to move out fairly quickly and put down a narrow band of accumulating snow. The hi-res NAM seems to be handling the current evolution fairly nicely. Here’s a look at the initial band and snowfall accumulation:
Overall, a nice band of 3-6″ of snow through portions of Central South Dakota and into Minnesota is possible, but note on the simulated radar we do have a nice shot at some freezing rain in extreme southeastern Minnesota. Would not rule out up to two tenths of an inch of ice in some spots between 10AM and 6PM today. This initial wave of snow looks to exit the Dakotas by around 9-10 AM CST this morning. Snow/mixed precipitation will continue in portions of Minnesota into later this evening and snow should completely exit by about 9PM CST. This will certainly create hazardous travel conditions today.
The second wave looks to work into South Dakota this evening around 5-6 PM CST and quickly move through the area by tomorrow morning, but given favorable dynamics, it could pack a punch. The heaviest snow should fall in portions of Central and Eastern South Dakota and exit that area by 6AM CST tomorrow. The heaviest snow should exit the area by 9AM tomorrow, with lingering snow in portions of Northern Minnesota.
Given strong upward motion in the snow growth zone, high snow ratios from cold temperatures and frontal forcing, we wouldn’t rule out a widespread band of 4-8″ of snow with this second wave in the area outlined below.
We will have some gusty winds with this wave, so would not rule out some visibility issues with heavy snow especially overnight tonight.
Temperatures will plummet well below zero in the areas with the new snow pack by Wednesday morning, but things should calm down by Tuesday afternoon and into Thursday. However, we’re watching a piece of energy that could add additional snow chances late this week.
Be sure to reach out if you have any questions and have a great day!