Impressive storm still dealing surprises
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Winter storms in Minnesota are like a box of Cracker Jack. Each one comes with a free toy surprise.
The run-up to our latest April winter storm in Minnesota has been full of twists and turns in the forecast models. The lead wave of snow came in with more intensity than some models projected. The band of moderate to heavy snow with visibilities in the quarter to half mile range produced thundersnow, and snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour.
Early storm snowfall totals are impressive.
Snow continues overnight
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Winter storm warnings include the Twin Cities.
Snowfall will continue for much of Minnesota overnight. Sleet and ice expand across southern Minnesota and mix into the Twin Cities Thursday morning into midday. Precipitation may change to rain Thursday afternoon and evening from the Twin Cities south and east. Then it's back to snow Friday morning.
The latest forecast model trends show the center of strong low pressure wobbling through southern Minnesota just east of the Twin Cities into Wisconsin.
Snow looks potentially heavy during Thursday morning's rush hours in the Twin Cities.
I'm still where I was Tuesday afternoon in forecasting a general 5 to 15 inches snowfall range for the Twin Cities by Friday. The latest Global Forecast System runs seem to be lining up around that zone.
Crazy. April. Snowfall. Again.
Blizzard warning
One element of this storm that's been remarkably consistent? Heavy snow and blizzard potential for western Minnesota. That's the tip of the blizzard warning that stretches all the way back into Colorado.
Including the cities of Granite Falls, Olivia, and Redwood Falls
323 PM CDT Wed Apr 10 2019
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...
...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
10 AM CDT FRIDAY...
* WHAT...Blizzard conditions and snow expected. Total snow
accumulations of 12 to 23 inches and ice accumulations of a
light glaze expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
* WHERE...Yellow Medicine, Renville and Redwood Counties.
* WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, from 7 PM this evening to 10
AM CDT Friday. For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 7 PM CDT
this evening.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be very difficult to
impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce
visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning
or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Heavy snow up north
Most of northern Minnesota is in on the action with this storm. Storm total snowfall will likely hit 12 to 18 inches across a good chunk central and northern Minnesota by Friday.
Lakeshore flooding from wind-driven 14- to 18-foot waves may toss ice chunks ashore. How lovely.
Hang in there Minnesota!