First Winter Blast
A developing storm is set to gain strength Wednesday and Thursday, delivering the first blast of winter to the central part of the country. Heavy snowfall is expected Thursday into Friday, with up to a foot of snow across northern Minnesota. As the storm reaches its full intensity later in the week, winds will rapidly increase. The combination of strong winds, falling temperatures, and snow may lead to blizzard conditions across eastern Dakotas through western Minnesota. Travel in this region is expected to be extremely hazardous. Strong cross-winds will make driving conditions dangerous, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Farther south, severe thunderstorms are expected Wednesday into Thursday from the southern Plains into the lower Mississippi Valley. There is a threat of flooding, strong wind gusts, hail, and even an isolated tornado.
As the colder air crosses into the Great Lakes Friday night and Saturday, snow is expected. The heaviest snowfall will be in Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Ontario, Canada, where an AccuWeather Local StormMaxTM of 30 inches is predicted.
In addition to heavy snowfall and the potential for lake effect snow, the storm will also bring with it powerful and damaging winds. Gusts of 30-50 mph are expected for much of the northern and central Plains, extending west into central Illinois from Thursday afternoon through Friday with an AccuWeather Local StormMaxTM of 70 mph. These powerful gusts can disrupt travel and lead to localized power outages.
Businesses in this region need to keep a close on this system and should:
- Expect ground logistics disruption and road closures due to strong winds and blizzard conditions
- Prioritize cold weather concerns for essential outdoor workers and ensure company vehicles are equipped for severe winter weather. This should include a snow scraper, blanket, first aid kit and flashlight
- Be prepared for power outages and lengthy closures
- Establish an emergency communication plan and share with it your staff before the storm
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