Weather Alert in Minnesota
Blizzard Warning issued March 15 at 3:04AM CDT until March 16 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
AREAS AFFECTED: Douglas; Todd; Morrison; Mille Lacs; Kanabec; Stevens; Pope; Stearns; Benton; Swift
DESCRIPTION: ...VERY HEAVY SNOW HAS DEVELOPED ACROSS SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AND IS EXPECTED TO EXPAND INTO WESTERN WISCONSIN THIS MORNING... ...WINDS WILL INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY THIS MORNING WITH WIDESPREAD BLOWING SNOW AND BLIZZARD CONDITIONS THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT... .Heavy snow across southern Minnesota will expand northeast into west central Wisconsin this morning. Additional accumulations of 12 to 18 inches are expected in this corridor. Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour are possible through mid morning. Lighter snow to the northwest will persist through the morning, then taper off from northwest to southeast later this afternoon and evening. Travel conditions will continue to deteriorate today. Despite the snow tapering off gradually this afternoon, northwest winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph. Some gusts near 60 mph are expected across the Minnesota River Valley. The combination of falling snow, blowing snow, and gusty winds will reduce visibility and create blizzard conditions into tonight. * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Benton, Morrison, Stearns, Todd, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Douglas, Pope, Stevens, and Swift Counties. * WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
INSTRUCTION: Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions.
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Weather Topic: What is Snow?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Snow
Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
Snow is precipitation taking the form of ice crystals. Each ice crystal, or snowflake,
has unique characteristics, but all of them grow in a hexagonal structure.
Snowfall can last for sustained periods of time and result in significant buildup
of snow on the ground.
On the earth's surface, snow starts out light and powdery, but as it begins to melt
it tends to become more granular, producing small bits of ice which have the consistency of
sand. After several cycles of melting and freezing, snow can become very dense
and ice-like, commonly known as snow pack.
Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
Weather Topic: What are Stratus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratus Clouds
Next Topic: Wall Clouds
Stratus clouds are similar to altostratus clouds, but form at a
lower altitude and are identified by their fog-like appearance, lacking the
distinguishing features of most clouds.
Stratus clouds are wider than most clouds, and their base has a smooth, uniform
look which is lighter in color than a nimbostratus cloud.
The presence of a stratus cloud indicates the possibility of minor precipitation,
such as drizzle, but heavier precipitation does not typically arrive in the form
of a stratus cloud.
Next Topic: Wall Clouds
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