Rice County Weather: Blizzard Possible In Northfield

NORTHFIELD, MN — A winter weather warning is in effect for southern Minnesota, including Rice County. The National Weather Service says blizzard conditions are possible, with winds gusting as high as 45 mph late Wednesday through Thursday morning.

Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy, blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

"The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute," says NWS. "The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes."

Cold blast

An arctic front surging southward tonight will bring strong northwest winds and result in areas of blowing snow. The worst conditions are expected over western Minnesota.

Wind chills Thursday morning will drop to between 20 below and 40 below zero across much of the area. Cold temperatures will persist into next week, says NWS.

Image via National Weather Service