Major Winter Storm on Track to Dump at Least a Foot of Snow on Central Minnesota

Originally published 4:57 a.m. February 21st, 2023

Updated 9:15 a.m. February 21st, 2023

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service has issued new warnings ahead of this approaching winter storm, which will deliver a hefty one-two punch.

The first round will start sometime around lunch on Tuesday and last through early Wednesday morning, with snow totals approaching four to eight inches, with locally higher amounts possible before a lull in the action. The more impactful portion of the storm arrives on Wednesday afternoon and will last through Thursday morning. Snow will be very heavy at times. “An additional foot is likely.” There is high confidence nearly every location will have a foot of new snow accumulation by Thursday night. Some areas in central Minnesota and western Wisconsin could see 20 inches or more.

Benton County is under a winter weather advisory from noon Tuesday through 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. Then a winter storm warning from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through 6:00 p.m. Thursday. For the winter weather advisory, snow accumulations will be between three and five inches with gusts to 40 miles an hour. For the winter storm warning, expect heavy snow and blowing snow with accumulations during round one of eight to 11 inches and winds gusting at 40 to 45 miles an hour. Storm totals are expected to range between 12 and 18 inches.

Sherburne and Wright Counties are under a winter storm warning starting at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through 6:00 p.m. Thursday. Heavy snow and blowing snow are expected, with four to seven inches possible for the first round Tuesday and Tuesday night. The second act, Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, could dump between 14 and 19 inches. Total snow accumulations will range from 18 to 24 inches. Winds will also kick up, gusting as high as 35 to 40 miles an hour by Wednesday.

Stearns County is under a winter storm warning from noon on Tuesday through 3:00 p.m. Wednesday. Total snow accumulations expected during the winter storm warning for the first round of four to seven inches, with winds gusting around 30 miles an hour. Then a blizzard warning kicks in until noon on Thursday. For the blizzard warning, eight to 11 inches of snow are expected, with winds gusting as high as 45 to 50 miles an hour. Storm totals in that area will range from 12 to 18 inches.

Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Significant drifting will occur due to the heavy snow totals and strong winds. Drifts may be several feet deep. Travel could be very difficult to impossible as widespread blowing snow leads to whiteout conditions. If you must travel, have a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone, and warm clothes or blankets with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Significant drifting will occur due to the heavy snow totals and strong winds. Drifts may be several feet deep. The National Weather Service, Minnesota Department of Transportation and State Patrol are all warn if your travel isn’t for an emergency, try and put it off until after the storm has passed.

Airlines such as Delta, Southwest, Sun Country and United are offering travel vouchers and waiving fees for those who have to change their flights.

___