Blizzard warnings issued with Minnesota set to get slammed by snow, wind

By: Joe Nelson | January 14, 2021

An intensifying winter storm will push through Minnesota over the next two days and drop up to a foot of snow in some places while powerful winds cause very difficult travel conditions in other parts of the state.

Up to 10 inches could fall in the Twin Cities, while places like Mankato and Albert Lea could get up to a foot of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Blizzard warnings have been issued for western and south-central Minnesota, where snow could be whipped around by winds gusting over 50 mph. Winter storm warnings are in place in southeast Minnesota, while the Twin Cities is in a winter weather advisory simply for the fact that the snow will fall over an extended period of time rather than all coming within 24 hours.

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The NWS Twin Cities forecast discussions says that "while blizzard conditions are expected to be fairly commonplace out west, the higher snow amounts will be from roughly Redwood Falls southward and over to the Mankato area."

It continues: "Going east of Mankato and south of the Twin Cities, snowfall amounts over the 36-42 hour duration of this system are likely to reach 7-10 inches (with potential for isolated higher amounts should banding develop)."

It's possible that the entire metro area could be upgraded to a winter storm warning if conditions prove favorable.

Here's a look at what the HRRR computer model radar simulation over the next 30+ hours, showing the bulk of the snow falling late Thursday and through the overnight hours into Friday morning.

We'll have continued updates through the day from meteorologist Sven Sundgaard and Novak Weather. 

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