Key Takeaways
- A major winter storm is impacting travel conditions in Minnesota, with blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings in place
- The storm is expected to bring significant snow and poor visibility, with temperatures remaining cold throughout the day
- Travel conditions are expected to improve as the day goes on, with winds easing and some sunshine expected
- Another weak clipper system may bring light snow to the area on Tuesday and Wednesday
- Temperatures are expected to remain below normal for the rest of the week, with a cold New Year’s Eve night expected
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A major winter storm that blasted Minnesota on Sunday is still having a significant impact on travel conditions on Monday. The storm has prompted WCCO to issue a NEXT Weather Alert and a NEXT Drive Alert, warning residents of the potential dangers of traveling in the current conditions. Blizzard warnings are in place for central Minnesota until 6 a.m. Monday, while winter storm warnings will be in place across eastern Minnesota into Wisconsin through 9 a.m. Monday. This means that residents can expect significant snowfall, high winds, and poor visibility, making travel extremely hazardous.
Current Weather Conditions
As Monday begins, the storm is still lingering, with blowing snow and poor visibility expected to continue throughout the morning. The winds are expected to gradually ease throughout the day, but temperatures will remain cold, with highs barely reaching double digits. Despite the cold and snowy conditions, there is some good news – once the system clears out, some sunshine is expected, which should help to improve visibility and make travel conditions slightly more bearable. However, it’s still important for residents to exercise caution when traveling, as the roads are likely to be slippery and visibility may be poor.
Forecast for the Rest of the Week
As the storm system moves out of the area, attention will turn to the rest of the week, which is expected to be cold and quiet. Another weak clipper system may bring light snow to the area north of Interstate 94 on Tuesday, with a better chance for an inch or two of snow on Wednesday. While this system is not expected to be as significant as the storm that hit on Sunday, it’s still important for residents to be aware of the potential for snow and plan accordingly. New Year’s Eve night is expected to be particularly cold, with temperatures crashing to zero or below, so residents will need to bundle up if they plan on celebrating outdoors.
Travel Implications
The winter storm has significant implications for travel, with blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings in place across the region. Residents are advised to check the latest travel advisories before heading out, and to exercise extreme caution when driving. The roads are likely to be slippery and visibility may be poor, making it difficult to navigate. Additionally, the cold temperatures and wind chill may make it uncomfortable to be outside for extended periods, so residents should dress warmly and plan for regular breaks if they need to travel. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can help to stay safe and avoid any potential hazards associated with the storm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the major winter storm that hit Minnesota on Sunday is still having a significant impact on travel conditions on Monday. While the storm is expected to gradually clear out throughout the day, residents can expect cold temperatures and potentially hazardous travel conditions to persist. With another weak clipper system potentially bringing light snow to the area on Tuesday and Wednesday, and a cold New Year’s Eve night expected, residents will need to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. By following the latest updates and advisories, residents can help to navigate the challenges posed by the winter storm and make it through the rest of the week safely.