the following weather factors:
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The first system tapers off overnight
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The second order arrives on Wednesday afternoon
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Strong winds are expected for both storms
After a lull in snowfall Wednesday morning, the second wave of this massive storm system will arrive — potentially delivering possible historic snow totals.
Wednesday and Thursday will also be the following weather alert days. It is advised to prepare with supplies and a Winter kit for your car If you need to go out on the roads.
More: School closings and delays
The first round of that long-running system arrived Tuesday afternoon, when a winter storm warning went into effect for the Twin Cities and parts of southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. This warning is expected to last until Thursday evening.
The snow will be a little thin at night, and there will be a lull in the rain from Wednesday morning into the early afternoon, when we could see little to no snow. This would be the perfect time to shake off the first round that fell, which is expected to be about 3-5 inches in the subway.
Related: State officials cautioned against non-essential travel during the storm calm Wednesday morning
The second round will begin Wednesday afternoon, with a rise in humidity from the south. Wind speeds will also pick up between 20-25 mph. Snow is expected at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening.
CBS
Much of Minnesota is under a blizzard warning through Thursday, with winds in those areas reaching 40-50 mph at times. This is lighter, fluffier snow that blows off easily, causing vision problems and snow drifts.
Basically, if you can skip being out on the roads Wednesday night into Thursday morning, do so.
While the first round eliminated mostly northern Minnesota, the second round will be extensive, up to Bemidji and beyond. The region will be on a winter weather alert through Thursday. Snow totals will be much lighter there, but the snow won’t stop until Thursday afternoon, and winds will blow everywhere into the night.
Related: Will this blizzard be one we’ll be talking about for years to come?
When all is said and done by Thursday evening, this weather event could take its place on the top ten list of the biggest snowstorms in Minnesota in recorded history. Accumulation models show Metro falling somewhere between 12-20 inches of snow. Minnesota’s Far South and Southwest can expect more.
It will be a high temperature Thursday of 15 degrees in the metro, but once the storm clears, the cooler air will flow in. We are likely to drop below zero on Friday morning, reaching 11 degrees for the highest level for the day. The wind speed will also decrease.
By the time we get to the weekend, this will all be a memory. Highs will be in the mid-20s, which is below average, but it’s a comfortable change at that.
