minneapolis – A powerful spring snowstorm is expected to rapidly develop and intensify Sunday, bringing high winds and heavy snow to the region and significantly impacting travel across the region next year. A blizzard warning has been issued for the area. Several days.
A powerful low-pressure system is rapidly strengthening as cold air moves in from Canada, drawing moisture from the Pacific Ocean and potentially bringing snow from the Rockies to the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes region, the FOX Prediction Center said. .
Winter weather warnings cover areas from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes, including blizzard warnings for the central and northern Plains from Kansas to South Dakota and Arrowhead in Minnesota from late Sunday into Monday. It is scheduled to be issued. It’s north of Duluth.
“Travel may become very difficult.” National Weather Bureau Office He spoke in North Platte, Nebraska. “There will be widespread, blowing snow, and visibility may be near zero. Strong winds could bring down tree branches and power lines.”
The winter storm warning covers a wide swath of property in the northern tier from Montana to Wisconsin, including cities such as Bismarck and Fargo in North Dakota and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Winter weather advisories are also in effect for many areas, including the Rocky Mountains, southern Minnesota, central Iowa and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The FOX Prediction Center announced that the main event will begin Sunday into Sunday night as heavy snow increases across the region.
Travel is expected to be significantly impacted, especially across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Thunderstorms are possible and snowfall could approach 1 to 2 inches per hour, along Interstate 80 through Nebraska, Interstate 90 in South Dakota and even Iowa. Highways such as parts of Interstate 35 from the state to Minneapolis are also likely to be affected.
However, there are some changes to the forecast, especially regarding the important rain/snow line.
The FOX Prediction Center says a strong low-pressure system near the Rocky Mountains will force a strong push of moisture and warm air from the south, and the surge in warmth could push the rain and snow line further north than previously expected. He said there is. .
A period of heavy rain could continue into southern Minnesota and Wisconsin late Sunday night into Monday morning, according to the latest computer forecast models.
This rain will very likely ruin some of the great snowpack in major cities like Minneapolis.
In parts of the Upper Midwest, from the Dakotas to Minnesota, the powerful storm could dump 12 to 18 inches of snow in many areas.
As of Sunday, 5 to 8 inches of snow could accumulate in Minneapolis, and 8 to 12 inches could fall in northern areas such as St. Cloud.
Areas such as Bemidji and Duluth in Minnesota are expected to see totals of more than a foot.
One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the powerful winds expected from the storm.
Winds will be gusting between 30 and 40 mph, with higher gusts reaching 50 mph possible across the region, according to the FOX Prediction Center.
This is a concern because blowing snow and whiteout conditions could lead to blizzard conditions along the shores of Lake Superior and on the plains in Arrowhead, Minnesota.
“Travel should be limited to emergencies only,” the NWS said. “If you must travel, bring a winter survival kit. If you’re stranded, leave your vehicle.”
