Severe Weather Alert: Winter Storm and Thunderstorm Watches for Minnesota This Friday

Minnesota will face a significant weather shift this Friday, with a winter storm and severe thunderstorm watch in effect. Residents can expect record warmth followed by rain, high winds, and snow. Severe weather is projected, especially in southern Minnesota, where conditions could lead to blizzards and hazardous travel through Saturday.

Minnesota is set to experience a dramatic shift in weather conditions this Friday, with both a winter storm and a severe thunderstorm watch issued for various regions. The powerful storm system is anticipated to bring spring-like warmth, with temperatures reaching the 70s in southern Minnesota, followed by rain, high winds, and snow from Friday evening into Saturday.

A significant window of severe weather is expected Friday evening, particularly between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. as thunderstorms advance northward from Iowa. The Twin Cities region may witness thunderstorms characterized by lightning and rainfall between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., though the storms could weaken as they approach the area. A marginal risk of severe weather extends northward toward Duluth.

In response to the colder temperatures and anticipated snowfall, the National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches for western Minnesota, particularly from the Red River Valley to the Iowa border. Near-blizzard conditions are predicted from late Friday night through Saturday morning in specific localities.

The winter storm watch covers northwestern Minnesota, affecting various towns including Radium, Bemidji, and Moorhead. Residents can expect snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 6 inches, with some areas receiving up to 8 inches. Winds may gust up to 60 mph, leading to reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions.

In west-central Minnesota, the watch includes cities such as Morris and Alexandria, where 2 to 4 inches of snow and potential ice accumulation may occur. Visibility may drop below a quarter-mile due to snow and wind, resulting in dangerous travel scenarios. Significantly colder temperatures in the 20s and 30s will take hold throughout the weekend in eastern Minnesota, where minimal snow is anticipated.

The forthcoming winter storm and severe thunderstorm watch signify a notable weather event for Minnesota, with expected spring warmth followed by harsh winter conditions. Residents should prepare for severe thunderstorms with possible damaging winds, heavy rain, and substantial snowfall leading to blizzard-like conditions. The weather is expected to result in treacherous travel conditions across various regions, particularly in western Minnesota.

Original Source: www.mprnews.org