The Daily Loon

A winter storm is spinning across Minnesota today, bringing periods of snow and gusty winds to much of the state. A narrow band of steadier snowfall is setting up from west-central Minnesota toward the Twin Cities, where totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible by the time the snow tapers off. Some melting may occur on treated roads, but snow-covered and slick spots are still likely, especially during heavier bursts.

Conditions are much more severe in southwest Minnesota, where strong north winds gusting over 40 mph are blowing falling snow and dramatically reducing visibility. At times, visibility may drop to near zero, creating whiteout conditions and making travel very difficult or dangerous. If you’re in this part of the state, travel should be avoided whenever possible.

Snow gradually winds down late tonight into Thursday morning as winds begin to ease. Thursday stays cloudy and cold, with a quiet but gloomy feel across much of Minnesota. Another weather system arrives late Thursday night into Friday, bringing a chance for light accumulating snow, mainly across southeastern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin. Areas farther north and west may see little or no additional snow from this system.