Blizzard to Hit Western Minnesota Friday

Winter will arrive abruptly Friday as heavy snow spreads into western and northern Minnesota. The snowstorm has the potential to turn into a blizzard for the western part of the state, according to the National Weather Service, with heavy snow, strong winds, and whiteout conditions.

Heavy snow will make its way into western and northern Minnesota by early Friday morning.

About six to 12 inches are expected in the axis of heavy snow by evening, with amounts quickly tapering off to the west and east. Strong wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph will produce considerable blowing snow and whiteout/blizzard conditions. Travel is expected to become very difficult or impossible in those areas.

The Twin Cities

The forecast calls for rain in the metro before 4 p.m., then a mix of rain and snow. Temperatures will fall to around 36 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a northeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 7 p.m., then gradually ending. Low around 27. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Image via National Weather Service