3:45 p.m. Update
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The winter storm watch in Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles and Jackson counties in Minnesota and Osceola, O'Brien and Dickinson counties in Iowa has been upgraded into a winter storm warning.
Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles and Jackson counties
A winter storm warning for heavy snow and blowing snow will be in effect from 3 a.m. Saturday to midnight Saturday.
Rain developing this evening will become mixed with and then change to snow after midnight. The snow will continue through most of Saturday, then decrease late Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening.
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Snow accumulations by early Saturday evening will vary from 3 to 8 inches in the warned area, with the highest amounts of around 8 inches in the Jackson area.
North to northwest winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour by Saturday morning. Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall will lower visibilities to as low as a quarter mile at times.
A winter storm warning for heavy snow and blowing snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous and blowing snow will add to the hazard.
Only travel in an emergency, the National Weather Service advised. People who do travel should bring an extra flash light, food and water in the vehicle.
Osceola, O'Brien and Dickinson
A winter storm warning for heavy snow and blowing snow will be in effect from midnight tonight to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Rain increasing this evening will change to snow before midnight. The snow will continue through Saturday morning, then decrease Saturday afternoon.
Snow accumulations by late Saturday afternoon will vary from 4 to 10 inches in the warned area, with the highest amounts of 8 to 10 inches along and east of a Spirit Lake to Spencer to Storm Lake line.
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North to northwest winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour by early Saturday morning. These strong winds combined with heavy snowfall will lower visibilities to a quarter mile at times.
Only travel in an emergency, the National Weather Service advised. People who do travel should bring an extra flash light, food and water in the vehicle.
10:45 a.m.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A winter storm watch has been issued for Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles and Jackson counties for Saturday morning through Saturday evening, and for Osceola, O'Brien and Dickinson counties from late tonight through Saturday afternoon.
Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles and Jackson
Snow or rain changing to snow will develop after midnight tonight and last through the day on Saturday. Widespread snow accumulations of near 6 inches are possible in the watch area, with a band of heavy snow of 6 to 12 inches possible on the eastern sides of Cottonwood and Jackson counties. Most of the heaviest accumulation of snow will fall on Saturday.
North to northwest winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour are expected. If the heavy snow develops, visibilities of less than half a mile are likely.
A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. The National Weather Service advises people to continue to monitor the weather forecasts and take precautions.
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Osceola, O'Brien and Dickinson
Low pressure will organize and strengthen tonight and Saturday, moving from the southern plains into central and eastern Iowa. Snow, or a rain to snow mix will develop on the back side of this low.
At this time, the primary area of concern for a band of heavy snow exists from Marshall southward to Storm Lake, Iowa. The heaviest of the snow, where 6 to 12 inches could fall late tonight and Saturday, exists from the eastern side of Cottonwood County to Storm Lake.
These amounts, coupled with north to northwest winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour, would create very hazardous travel conditions. In addition, because the band of heavy snow will likely be narrow, any deviation in the projected storm track could seriously alter forecast conditions elsewhere.
Widespread snow accumulations of near 6 inches are possible in the watch area, with a localized band of heavy snow of 6 to 12 inches possible in the Iowa Great Lakes areas and Storm Lake.
If heavy snow develops, visibilities of less than half a mile are likely.
A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. The National Weather Service advises people to continue to monitor the weather forecasts and take precautions.
