Originally published 7:46 a.m. February 20th, 2023
Updated 4:33 p.m. February 20th, 2023
(KNSI) — The National Weather Service has upgraded the winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for several counties and increased the snow totals for this incoming system.
From the South Dakota border, just south of Morris, through Willmar, the Twin Cities, over to Red Wing, through Mankato are now under the warning, which begins at noon Tuesday and goes through noon Thursday. Sixteen to 22 inches of snow and 50 mile an hour wind gusts are expected. The new warning does include Wright County. The winter storm warning area may see blizzard conditions too.
A winter storm watch is still posted for the St. Cloud area, and there is now a 97% chance the St. Cloud area will see over eight inches of snow and an 87% chance of over 12 inches. The eight inch snow total now extends up to Alexandria and east to the Wisconsin border. From Wilmar through Hutchinson and Faribault, Mankato, Redwood Falls and Marshall have at least a 54% chance of seeing over 18 inches of snow.
The percentages have increased dramatically compared to the previous update because the final six hours of the system have been added to the time range.
The first part of the storm arrives on Tuesday afternoon and lasts through the evening hours, with a lull on Wednesday morning. The lull will be a slowdown in the snowfall. It’s not expected to stop snowing. The snowfall will just be lighter. The second round, expected to bring heavier snowfall and stronger winds, moves in on Wednesday afternoon and evening and will last through much of the day on Thursday.
Blowing and drifting snow is also expected to be an issue as strong northeast winds develop Wednesday and switch to come out of the northwest by Thursday afternoon. Gusts between 40 and 45 miles an hour are possible.
Significant travel impacts are likely Tuesday evening into Friday afternoon. Airline passengers are urged to monitor their flights and contact their carriers to check on delays and cancelations. Several airlines have also issued travel vouchers for passengers to change flights without fees. If you must drive, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Check road conditions before you go by clicking here.
A blip of cold air will strike Friday morning on the system’s back end. Temperatures will moderate to normal over the weekend.
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