Severe Winter Weather Blankets Minnesota With Snow, Blowing Snow and Dangerous Cold

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service says 2.1″ of snow has officially fallen in St. Cloud as of 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, as a winter storm continues to move across the area.

The storm is expected to bring around three to six inches of accumulating snow, but strong winds around 30 to 50 miles an hour are expected to continue. The strongest wind gusts will be west of Interstate 94. Forecasters say the falling snow combined with the winds will lead to significantly reduced visibility with whiteout to near whiteout conditions in more rural and open areas. That will lead to slippery and messy roads. The latest road conditions are available by clicking here.

A winter weather advisory is in effect through 3:00 p.m. Wednesday for the five county St. Cloud area of Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright Counties, but areas in western Stearns County could see more blizzard like conditions.

A blizzard warning is in effect until 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning for areas from Fergus Falls to Glenwood, through Kandiyohi and Renville County. The warning says drivers should restrict travel in those areas to emergencies only. Minnesota State Patrol Sergeant Jesse Grabow tweeted video from a scene on I-94 Wednesday morning showing the awful driving conditions.

Minnesota State Patrol Twitter

Behind the winter storm will be dangerously cold wind chills. A wind chill advisory goes into effect at 9:00 Wednesday night and remains in effect until 3:00 Thursday afternoon. Forecasters say additional wind chill advisories and warnings could be posted Thursday night through Friday morning.

Find weather related announcements by clicking here.

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