Snow Ends, But Blizzard Conditions Roar in Behind It

Originally published December 19th, 2022, 3:30 p.m.

Updated December 22nd 2022, at 7:29 a.m.

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service says the snow may have ended for now, but don’t let your guard down, as a ground blizzard is still on track to develop later Thursday.

The official 24 hour snowfall total for St. Cloud is 5″ according to the National Weather Service.

Extreme cold air temperatures coupled with howling northwest winds gusting between 40 and 50 miles an hour will create dangerous wind chills Thursday afternoon through at least Friday night. Forecasters say the worst of the blizzard conditions will be on Friday as people try and leave for their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day gatherings.

Drivers can expect low to zero visibility due to blowing snow. The latest updates say “confidence is high” for strong winds and blizzard conditions and to “please avoid travel.”

If travel is unavoidable, make sure phones are charged and have a full tank of gas. Forecasters say to have spare boots and other winter gear with you and tell someone when you’re leaving, the route you’re traveling and when you expect to arrive at your destination.

For more cold weather safety tips, click here.

A wind chill advisory is in effect from 6:00 Thursday morning through 6:00 p.m. Thursday. A blizzard warning is in effect from 6:00 p.m. Thursday night until 6:00 a.m. Christmas Eve morning Saturday. A wind chill warning is also in effect starting at 6:00 p.m. Thursday through noon on Saturday, as windchills are expected to be around -45 at times. Frostbite can set in in as little as ten minutes.

Several schools called off for Thursday. Find the list by clicking here.

Around 200 million people are under weather watches, warnings or advisories. See more by clicking here.

Flight delays and cancellations are starting to mount at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. See the latest by clicking here.

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