Minnesota Weather: Blizzard Conditions Possible Washington County

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN —Washington County could see blizzard conditions Wednesday. The east Twin Cities metro could see up to 4 inches of snow and winds as high as 35 MPH.

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 Washington County area. The wind chill will make it feel like 18 degrees below zero Wednesday.

The low Thursday will be 3 degrees below zero in Washington 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 Washington County:

Wednesday: Snow likely, possibly mixed with drizzle before noon, then snow. Patchy blowing snow after 2pm. Patchy fog between 8am and 9am. Temperature falling to around 17 by 5pm. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming west northwest 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. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 0. Wind chill values as low as -18. Blustery, with a northwest wind 20 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. Wind chill values as low as -20. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around -3. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Christmas Day: Sunny, with a high near 20. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 11. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. North 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 17. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 2. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 19. Calm wind becoming south southeast around 5 mph.