Minnesota's Winter Weather: What's Coming and Why It Matters

Minnesota is gearing up for a winter weather advisory. The National Weather Service has issued this alert for several counties, including Stearns County. The advisory kicks off at midnight and runs until 6:00 p. m. on Friday. Expect snow to start falling Thursday night and continue into Friday. Western Wisconsin is bracing for the heaviest snowfall. Central Minnesota, on the other hand, won't see much accumulation. St. Cloud, for instance, has only seen 0. 9 inches of snow this January. That's 3. 3 inches below the usual amount. However, the season's total snowfall is still above average, with 25. 2 inches so far. Besides snow, strong winds are expected. Gusts between 40 and 50 mph will whip through western and southern Minnesota. These winds will stir up blowing snow, making it harder to see and creating dangerous driving conditions.If you're planning to hit the road, check the Minnesota Department of Transportation's website, 511mn. org, for the latest updates on road conditions. Temperatures are set to plummet on Friday. Wind chills will drop below zero. The coldest wind chills are predicted for Saturday morning in western Minnesota, where it will feel like a bone-chilling 25 below zero. This weather advisory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter in Minnesota. It's essential to stay informed and prepared. Whether it's shoveling snow, driving carefully, or bundling up against the cold, Minnesotans know how to handle whatever winter throws their way.