Awinter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota from 12 a.m. on Wednesday through 12 a.m. on Thursday. The inclement weather, amid the holiday travel, will be triggered by a Pacific storm system, the NWS said.
“A Pacific storm system will track through the Northwest US today then across the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Thursday into Friday,” the NWS said.
Which Counties Are Affected?
Several counties in Minnesota, North Dakota, and central Wisconsin will be affected, the NWS said. Here’s a list of counties facing severe snow threat.
Minnesota
Twin Cities
Fergus Falls
Brainerd
St. Cloud
North Dakota
Crosby
Devils Lake
Fargo
Bottineau
Rugby
Langdon
Harvey
Grafton
Grand Forks
Hillsboro
Wisconsin (Central Region)
Adams
Clark
Columbia
Dane
Dodge
Fond du Lac
Green Lake
Iowa
Jackson
Jefferson
Juneau
Marquette
Monroe
The heaviest snow is predicted to fall overnight and is expected to reach eastern North Dakota by suppertime on Wednesday.
Travel Will Be Affected
Travel throughout the entire storm warning region is likely to be significantly impacted. The National Weather Service advised locals to “plan on slippery road conditions” in its warning statement.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds will create dangerous driving conditions, including reduced visibility and icy roads. Airports in the affected areas may experience numerous flight delays and cancellations due to the storm. Several schools in the region have already closed, while others are expected to shut as the weather deteriorates.