Minnesota Weather: Blizzard Conditions Possible In Dakota County

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — Wednesday will bring snow, deep cold, and high winds which could cause blizzard conditions in Dakota County. The south Twin Cities metro could see up to 3 inches of snow and winds as high as 40 MPH.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather watch for Dakota County. Motorists should plan on slippery road conditions from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, as blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility.

The evening commute could be especially hazardous.

The deep chill will set in Wednesday, with a low of 0 in the Dakota County area. The wind chill will make it feel like 16 degrees below zero Wednesday.

The low Thursday will be 1 degree below zero in Dakota County.

"A significant change in the weather is coming on Wednesday," notes the National Weather Service.

"Winter Storm Watches, Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories cover most of the area for Wednesday into Wednesday night. The Winter Storm Warning runs from west central into central Minnesota. The Winter Storm Watch is south and east of that and extends through the Twin Cities metro area. A Winter Weather Advisory is situation to the south and east of the watch and extends to the Iowa border and into a portion of west central Minnesota. Blizzard conditions could develop in open areas of western and central Minnesota. Strong northwest winds of 35 to 45 mph will develop Wednesday, with gusts over 50 mph possible in western Minnesota. Temperatures will start out around 30 degrees, and fall throughout the day, going below zero overnight. In addition to the wind and cold, at least 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected across the entire area, with amounts of 4 to 6 inches north of Interstate 94 and west of the Saint Croix River. Any snow that develops will lead to reduced visibility and impact holiday travel. Please continue to check the forecast for updates, especially if you have travel plans Wednesday or Wednesday night."

Here's the NWS forecast for Dakota County:

Wednesday: Drizzle likely, possibly mixed with snow before 11am, then snow. Patchy blowing snow after 2pm. Patchy fog between 8am and 9am. Temperature falling to around 16 by 5pm. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west northwest 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday Night: Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Areas of blowing snow before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 0. Wind chill values as low as -16. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 6. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around -1. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Christmas Day: Sunny, with a high near 21. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 28. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 8. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 18. Northwest wind around 5 mph.