Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued For Dakota County

TWIN CITIES, MN — Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington County are included in a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) early Thursday as a winter storm system approaches. There are a few complicating factors for accumulating snow, including near or above freezing temperatures, warm ground temperatures, and rain mixing with snow. However, accumulations are expected west of Interstate 35.

What to expect

Thursday

The first snowfall of the season will begin Thursday night and last through Friday. Winter weather advisories and wind advisories have been issued for much of western and central Minnesota. The combination of strong winds and falling snow will significantly reduce visibilities overnight and into Friday morning

Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible today through Friday in western Minnesota.

Friday through Wednesday

Snow will continue falling during the day on Friday along with strong northwest winds. Storm total accumulations of two to four inches appears likely just west of the Twin Cities metro.

Halloween will see a 20 percent chance of snow, with a high near 42 and a low around 30 Tuesday night.

Image via National Weather Service