Minnesota Weather: Blizzard Conditions Possible In Hennepin Co.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Hennepin County residents should expect snow, deep cold, and high winds Wednesday, causing blizzard conditions throughout the west Twin Cities metro. The Minneapolis area could see up to 5 inches of snow and winds as high as 50 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 1 degree below zero in the Hennepin County area. The wind chill will make it feel like 20 degrees below zero Wednesday.

The low Thursday will be 2 degrees below zero in the Minneapolis area.

"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 Hennepin County:

Wednesday: A chance of drizzle before 9am, then a chance of drizzle and snow between 9am and 10am, then snow after 10am. Patchy blowing snow after 1pm. Patchy fog between 8am and 9am. Temperature falling to around 13 by 5pm. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest 20 to 25 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday Night: Snow likely, mainly before 9pm. Areas of blowing snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1. Wind chill values as low as -20. Blustery, with a northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 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 -21. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around -2. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

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

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. West wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 27. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22. North wind around 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 17. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 20. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the morning.