Blizzard Warning Issued for Western Minnesota

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for portions of western Minnesota, including Douglas, Pope, and Todd counties in effect from 9 PM tonight through Noon Thursday.

Strong northwest winds with gusts of 35 to 45 mph will develop behind an arctic front late this evening. Due to a deep snow-pack, widespread blowing snow with whiteout conditions appear likely across western Minnesota.

Wind chills in the St. Cloud area will drop to -20° tonight, and -30° Thursday and Thursday night.

From the National Weather Service this morning: An arctic front surging southward tonight will bring strong northwest winds and result in areas of blowing snow. The worst conditions are expected over western Minnesota. Wind chills Thursday morning will drop to between 20 below and 40 below zero across much of the area. Cold temperatures will persist into next week.