Wind Advisory Issued for Thursday

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory until 7:00 Thursday night.

Sustained west winds between 25 and 35 miles an hour with wind gusts up to 50 miles an hour are expected today as a powerful storm system moves over the Upper Midwest.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result. A press release from Xcel Energy says they have crews standing by and ready to respond quickly should that happen. Forecasters say to be extra careful when driving, especially a high-profile vehicle. On Tuesday, nine semi trucks were blown over during high winds in southern Minnesota.

Snow is also expected at times today. A special weather statement warns low visibility from snow squalls is possible through Thursday morning along the Interstate 94 corridor in western Minnesota. A snow squall is a period of intense heavy snow that onsets suddenly, creating whiteout conditions.

In western Minnesota, high wind warnings for gusts up to 60 miles an hour are in place for Chippewa, Douglas, Lac Qui Parle, Pope, Stevens, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties.

Scattered snow showers during times of strong winds could produce rapid drops in visibility. A winter weather advisory is also posted for northwestern and west central Minnesota and southeast North Dakota for one to two inches of snow but gusty winds of 45 miles an hour.

Parts of North and South Dakota remain under a blizzard warning. Parts of North Dakota are buried under 30 inches of snow, and it’s still falling. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles an hour have also been reported. In addition to smaller roads blocked by heavy snowdrifts, I-94 and Highway 2 are also closed. North Dakota’s governor has ordered the Capitol remain closed through the weekend.

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