‘Dangerous’ Travel Conditions in Store as Snow, Arctic Cold Head for Lakes Area

(KNSI) — Now that this winter storm is on our doorstep, forecasters have a better idea of who will get what and when.

Some of the snow totals have decreased, and forecast wind speeds have dropped slightly, but they will still be impactful.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 6:00 Wednesday morning through midnight. Snow will start around 8:00 and could be heavy at times, with a total daytime accumulation of four to eight inches of light, fluffy snow possible. Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, another one to three inches is possible, and there will be a brief respite as the snow will end around 3:00 a.m. Winds will pick up in the early morning hours Thursday, sustained at ten to 15 miles an hour.

For the rest of Thursday, a slight chance for more fluffy snow in the morning before sunrise, but “conditions will worsen the second half of Thursday, remaining extremely dangerous through midday Saturday” as those northwest winds will gust around 30 miles an hour. A winter storm watch starts at 3:00 p.m. and goes through 6:00 Christmas Eve morning with widespread blowing snow thanks to wind gusts over 40 miles an hour with occasional gusts to 50 miles an hour. That will cause difficult to nearly impossible travel with whiteout to blizzard-like conditions and windchills around -40. Forecasters say the winter storm watch will likely be upgraded later Wednesday afternoon. A wind chill watch was also issued from 6:00 p.m. Thursday to 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Winter storm gradients can be quite sharp, so any slight change in the track means wide shifts in snow totals. Still, forecasters warn that getting stranded could be dangerous with the bitterly cold temps and high winds.

The risk for travelers is especially high, with blowing snow and blizzard conditions making rescue efforts extremely difficult. Being stranded from Thursday through Saturday will have life-threatening implications for motorists and anyone involved in rescue or recovery operations. Keep up to date with the latest road conditions by clicking here.

An emergency kit that includes food, water, blankets, and other necessities could be life-saving if travel is absolutely necessary.

Airlines are issuing travel waivers for people flying to and from some Minnesota airports. Southwest, United, and American are offering free flight changes for those passing through airports in the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth. Airlines are asking passengers to call ahead or download their app before leaving for the airport to check flight status.