Alert archive / Minnesota / Winter Storm Watches in 2016

Winter Storm Watch 6, NWS Twin Cities, MN

December 23, 20168 counties in Minnesota

NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this winter storm watch at Dec 23, 2016, 3:22 AM CST for 8 counties in Minnesota. It took effect at Dec 25, 2016, 6:00 AM CST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 23, 2016, 3:22 AM CST (09:22 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 25, 2016, 6:00 AM CST
Expired
Dec 24, 2016, 3:43 AM CST
In force
Issued by
NWS Twin Cities, MN

Counties Benton County, MN, Douglas County, MN, Mille Lacs County, MN, Morrison County, MN, Pope County, MN, Stearns County, MN, Stevens County, MN, Todd County, MN

The radar

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 142 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 09:27 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 00:00Z, 9.4 hours before the alert went out and 140 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2016-12-23Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2016-12-23The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 360 square meters per square second.1939587897117136156Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1988 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
45 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
360 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
427 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

196 
WWUS43 KMPX 230922
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
322 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...ACCUMULATING SNOW EXPECTED FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN
MINNESOTA INTO WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN TODAY... 
...SIGNIFICANT ICING POSSIBLE SUNDAY ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
MINNESOTA...

.SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED TODAY FROM
SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA INTO WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN. AREAS
AFFECTED WILL BE MAINLY THE COUNTIES DUE SOUTH OF THE TWIN CITIES
METRO ALONG THE INTERSTATE 35 AND I90 CORRIDOR IN MINNESOTA...AND
EASTWARD ALONG THE INTERSTATE 94 CORRIDOR IN WISCONSIN. THESE
SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS COULD MAKE FOR HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS
LEADING UP TO THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

A POWERFUL WINTER STORM WILL TRACK ACROSS THE CENTRAL PLAINS INTO
NORTHERN MINNESOTA BY SUNDAY NIGHT. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE
DEVELOPING SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME STEADIER FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY
MORNING WITH ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF A QUARTER INCH POSSIBLE BY LATE
AFTERNOON. PRECIPITATION SHOULD BECOME ALL RAIN BY LATE SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...BUT THERE REMAINS SOME UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHEN EXACTLY
THAT WILL HAPPEN.

MNZ084-091-092-231730-
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.161223T1200Z-161224T0000Z/
WASECA-MARTIN-FARIBAULT-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WASECA...FAIRMONT...BLUE EARTH
322 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN HAS ISSUED
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6
PM CST THIS EVENING.

* EXPECT SNOW TO DEVELOP AROUND 6 AM THIS MORNING AND THEN END BY
  6 PM THIS EVENING.

* THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL RATES WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 9 AM AND 3 PM.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED.

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE EVENING
  COMMUTE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MNZ077-078-085-093-231730-
/O.EXT.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.161223T1200Z-161224T0000Z/
RICE-GOODHUE-STEELE-FREEBORN-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FARIBAULT...RED WING...OWATONNA...
ALBERT LEA
322 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* EXPECT SNOW TO DEVELOP AROUND 6 AM THIS MORNING AND THEN
  DIMINISH AROUND 6 PM THIS EVENING.

* THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL RATES WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM
  FRIDAY.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED.

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE EVENING
  COMMUTE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WIZ024>028-231730-
/O.EXT.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.161223T1600Z-161224T0300Z/
PIERCE-DUNN-PEPIN-CHIPPEWA-EAU CLAIRE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RIVER FALLS...PRESCOTT...MENOMONIE...
DURAND...CHIPPEWA FALLS...EAU CLAIRE
322 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING
TO 9 PM CST THIS EVENING...

* EXPECT SNOW TO DEVELOP AROUND 10 AM FRIDAY AND THEN DIMINISH
  BETWEEN 6 AND 9 PM FRIDAY.

* THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL RATES WILL OCCUR BETWEEN NOON AND 6 PM
  TODAY.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED.

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE EVENING
  COMMUTE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MNZ041>044-047>050-231730-
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.A.0006.161225T1200Z-161226T0000Z/
DOUGLAS-TODD-MORRISON-MILLE LACS-STEVENS-POPE-STEARNS-BENTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALEXANDRIA...LONG PRAIRIE...
LITTLE FALLS...PRINCETON...MORRIS...GLENWOOD...ST CLOUD...FOLEY
322 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH
SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN HAS ISSUED
A WINTER STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON. 

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME
  STEADIER FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY MORNING INTO MID AFTERNOON. SOME
  SNOW OR SLEET MAY ALSO MIX IN AT TIMES. PRECIPITATION WILL
  TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN FOR A TIME LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON INTO
  EARLY EVENING BEFORE ENDING.

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...AROUND 1/4 INCH. 

* MAIN IMPACTS...DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SOME POWER
  OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$

BORGHOFF/DWE
5 follow-up statements
679 
WWUS43 KMPX 231542
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
942 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...ACCUMULATING SNOW FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA INTO
WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN TODAY...
...SIGNIFICANT ICING POSSIBLE SUNDAY ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
MINNESOTA...

.SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE FORECAST TODAY FROM
SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA INTO WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN. AREAS
AFFECTED WILL BE MAINLY THE COUNTIES DUE SOUTH OF THE TWIN CITIES
METRO ALONG THE INTERSTATE 35 AND INTERSTATE 90 CORRIDORS IN
MINNESOTA...AS WELL AS EASTWARD ALONG THE INTERSTATE 94 CORRIDOR
IN WISCONSIN. THESE SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS COULD MAKE FOR
HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN
EFFECT TODAY ALONG AND EAST OF A LINE FROM FAIRMONT THROUGH RED
WING...MENOMONIE AND CHIPPEWA FALLS.

A POWERFUL WINTER STORM WILL TRACK ACROSS THE CENTRAL PLAINS INTO
NORTHERN MINNESOTA BY SUNDAY NIGHT. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE
DEVELOPING SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME A STEADIER FREEZING RAIN
SUNDAY MORNING WITH ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF A QUARTER INCH POSSIBLE
BY LATE AFTERNOON. PRECIPITATION SHOULD BECOME ALL RAIN BY LATE
SUNDAY AFTERNOON...BUT THERE REMAINS SOME UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHEN
EXACTLY THAT WILL HAPPEN. HENCE...A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN
EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA ALONG AND NORTH OF A
LINE FROM MORRIS THROUGH ST. CLOUD TO MILACA. 

WIZ024>028-232345-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.161223T1600Z-161224T0300Z/
PIERCE-DUNN-PEPIN-CHIPPEWA-EAU CLAIRE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RIVER FALLS...PRESCOTT...MENOMONIE...
DURAND...CHIPPEWA FALLS...EAU CLAIRE
942 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* EXPECT SNOW TO SPREAD ACROSS WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN THROUGH THE
  AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE EARLY THIS EVENING BEFORE ENDING.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED.

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE 
  EVENING COMMUTE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MNZ077-078-084-085-091>093-232345-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-161224T0000Z/
RICE-GOODHUE-WASECA-STEELE-MARTIN-FARIBAULT-FREEBORN-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FARIBAULT...RED WING...WASECA...
OWATONNA...FAIRMONT...BLUE EARTH...ALBERT LEA
942 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY ACROSS
  SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA TODAY THEN DIMINISH
  QUICKLY THIS EVENING.

* THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL RATES WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 10 AM AND 3 PM.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED.

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE 
  EVENING COMMUTE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MNZ041>044-047>050-232345-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0006.161225T1200Z-161226T0000Z/
DOUGLAS-TODD-MORRISON-MILLE LACS-STEVENS-POPE-STEARNS-BENTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALEXANDRIA...LONG PRAIRIE...
LITTLE FALLS...PRINCETON...MORRIS...GLENWOOD...ST CLOUD...FOLEY
942 AM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME A
  STEADIER FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY MORNING INTO MID AFTERNOON. SOME
  SNOW OR SLEET MAY ALSO MIX IN AT TIMES. PRECIPITATION WILL
  TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN FOR A TIME LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON INTO
  EARLY EVENING BEFORE ENDING.

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...AROUND 1/4 INCH.

* MAIN IMPACTS...DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SOME POWER 
  OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$
748 
WWUS43 KMPX 232115
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
315 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...ACCUMULATING SNOW FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA INTO
WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN TODAY... ...SIGNIFICANT ICING POSSIBLE
SUNDAY ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA...

.TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES BY LATE TONIGHT ARE
EXPECTED FROM SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA INTO WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN.
AREAS AFFECTED WILL BE MAINLY FROM ALBERT LEA THROUGH THE EAU
CLAIRE AREA AFFECTING PORTIONS OF BOTH I-35 AND I-90.  THESE
SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS ARE MAKING FOR HAZARDOUS TRAVEL
CONDITIONS. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT ALONG AND
EAST OF A LINE FROM ALBERT LEA THROUGH RED WING...MENOMONIE AND
CHIPPEWA FALLS.

A POWERFUL WINTER STORM WILL TRACK ACROSS THE CENTRAL PLAINS INTO
NORTHERN MINNESOTA BY SUNDAY NIGHT. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE
DEVELOPING SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME A STEADIER FREEZING RAIN
SUNDAY MORNING WITH ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF A QUARTER INCH POSSIBLE
BY LATE AFTERNOON. PRECIPITATION SHOULD BECOME ALL RAIN BY LATE
SUNDAY AFTERNOON...BUT THERE REMAINS SOME UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHEN
EXACTLY THAT WILL HAPPEN. HENCE...A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN
EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA ALONG AND NORTH OF A
LINE FROM MORRIS THROUGH ST. CLOUD TO MILACA.

MNZ077-084-091-092-232215-
/O.CAN.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-161224T0000Z/
RICE-WASECA-MARTIN-FARIBAULT-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FARIBAULT...WASECA...FAIRMONT...
BLUE EARTH
315 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN HAS
CANCELLED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. 

THE SNOW HAS ENDED AND CONDITIONS HAVE IMPROVED IN THIS AREA.

$$

MNZ078-085-093-240000-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-161224T0000Z/
GOODHUE-STEELE-FREEBORN-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RED WING...OWATONNA...ALBERT LEA
315 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* SNOW WILL BEGIN TO TAPER LATE THIS AFTERNOON BUT ROADS REMAIN
  SLIPPERY AND SNOW COVERED. 

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED.

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE 
  EVENING COMMUTE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WIZ024>028-240300-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-161224T0300Z/
PIERCE-DUNN-PEPIN-CHIPPEWA-EAU CLAIRE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RIVER FALLS...PRESCOTT...MENOMONIE...
DURAND...CHIPPEWA FALLS...EAU CLAIRE
315 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* EXPECT SNOW TO CONTINUE EARLY THIS EVENING BEFORE ENDING
  TONIGHT.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED.

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE 
  EVENING COMMUTE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MNZ041>044-047>050-240515-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0006.161225T1200Z-161226T0000Z/
DOUGLAS-TODD-MORRISON-MILLE LACS-STEVENS-POPE-STEARNS-BENTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALEXANDRIA...LONG PRAIRIE...
LITTLE FALLS...PRINCETON...MORRIS...GLENWOOD...ST CLOUD...FOLEY
315 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME 
  A STEADIER FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY MORNING INTO MID AFTERNOON. 
  SOME SNOW OR SLEET MAY ALSO MIX IN AT TIMES. PRECIPITATION 
  WILL TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN FOR A TIME LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON 
  INTO EARLY EVENING BEFORE ENDING. 

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...AROUND 1/4 INCH.

* MAIN IMPACTS...DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SOME POWER 
  OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$
005 
WWUS43 KMPX 240009
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
609 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...SNOW WINDING DOWN THIS EVE OVER WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN...
SIGNIFICANT
ICING POSSIBLE SUNDAY ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA...

.SNOW WITH TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES WILL GRADUALLY
COME TO AN END THIS EVENING OVER WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN. A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EAST OF RIVER FALLS
TO EAU CLAIRE WISCONSIN.

A POWERFUL WINTER STORM WILL TRACK ACROSS THE CENTRAL PLAINS INTO
NORTHERN MINNESOTA BY SUNDAY NIGHT. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE
DEVELOPING SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME A STEADIER FREEZING RAIN
SUNDAY MORNING WITH ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF A QUARTER INCH POSSIBLE
BY LATE AFTERNOON. PRECIPITATION SHOULD BECOME ALL RAIN BY LATE
SUNDAY AFTERNOON...BUT THERE REMAINS SOME UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHEN
EXACTLY THAT WILL HAPPEN. HENCE...A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN
EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA ALONG AND NORTH OF A
LINE FROM MORRIS THROUGH ST. CLOUD TO MILACA.

MNZ078-085-093-240115-
/O.EXP.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-161224T0000Z/
GOODHUE-STEELE-FREEBORN-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RED WING...OWATONNA...ALBERT LEA
609 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

SNOW HAS TAPERED OFF SO THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN
ALLOWED TO EXPIRE.

$$

WIZ024>028-240300-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-161224T0300Z/
PIERCE-DUNN-PEPIN-CHIPPEWA-EAU CLAIRE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RIVER FALLS...PRESCOTT...MENOMONIE...
DURAND...CHIPPEWA FALLS...EAU CLAIRE
609 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* EXPECT SNOW TO CONTINUE EARLY THIS EVENING BEFORE ENDING 
  TONIGHT. 

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED.

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE 
  EVENING COMMUTE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MNZ041>044-047>050-240815-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0006.161225T1200Z-161226T0000Z/
DOUGLAS-TODD-MORRISON-MILLE LACS-STEVENS-POPE-STEARNS-BENTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALEXANDRIA...LONG PRAIRIE...
LITTLE FALLS...PRINCETON...MORRIS...GLENWOOD...ST CLOUD...FOLEY
609 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME 
  A STEADIER FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY MORNING INTO MID AFTERNOON. 
  SOME SNOW OR SLEET MAY ALSO MIX IN AT TIMES. PRECIPITATION 
  WILL TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN FOR A TIME LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON 
  INTO EARLY EVENING BEFORE ENDING. 

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...AROUND 1/4 INCH.

* MAIN IMPACTS...DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SOME POWER 
  OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$
549 
WWUS43 KMPX 240304
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
904 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...SIGNIFICANT ICING POSSIBLE SUNDAY ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
MINNESOTA...

.A POWERFUL WINTER STORM WILL TRACK ACROSS THE CENTRAL PLAINS
INTO NORTHERN MINNESOTA BY SUNDAY NIGHT. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE
DEVELOPING SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME A STEADIER FREEZING RAIN
SUNDAY MORNING WITH ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF A QUARTER INCH POSSIBLE
BY LATE AFTERNOON. PRECIPITATION SHOULD BECOME ALL RAIN BY LATE
SUNDAY AFTERNOON...BUT THERE REMAINS SOME UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHEN
EXACTLY THAT WILL HAPPEN. HENCE...A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN
EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA ALONG AND NORTH OF A LINE
FROM MORRIS THROUGH ST. CLOUD TO MILACA.

WIZ024>028-240415-
/O.EXP.KMPX.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-161224T0300Z/
PIERCE-DUNN-PEPIN-CHIPPEWA-EAU CLAIRE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RIVER FALLS...PRESCOTT...MENOMONIE...
DURAND...CHIPPEWA FALLS...EAU CLAIRE
904 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

ACCUMULATING SNOW HAS ENDED OVER WEST CENTRAL
WISCONSIN...THEREFORE THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN ALLOWED
TO EXPIRE. 

$$

MNZ041>044-047>050-241115-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0006.161225T1200Z-161226T0000Z/
DOUGLAS-TODD-MORRISON-MILLE LACS-STEVENS-POPE-STEARNS-BENTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALEXANDRIA...LONG PRAIRIE...
LITTLE FALLS...PRINCETON...MORRIS...GLENWOOD...ST CLOUD...FOLEY
904 PM CST FRI DEC 23 2016

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE SATURDAY NIGHT WILL BECOME 
  A STEADIER FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY MORNING INTO MID AFTERNOON. 
  SOME SNOW OR SLEET MAY ALSO MIX IN AT TIMES. PRECIPITATION 
  WILL TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN FOR A TIME LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON 
  INTO EARLY EVENING BEFORE ENDING. 

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...AROUND 1/4 INCH.

* MAIN IMPACTS...DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SOME POWER 
  OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$
865 
WWUS43 KMPX 240943
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
343 AM CST SAT DEC 24 2016

...SIGNIFICANT ICING COUPLED WITH STRONG WINDS MAY RESULT IN POWER
OUTAGES SUNDAY...PARTICULARLY ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
MINNESOTA...

.A POWERFUL WINTER STORM WILL TRACK ACROSS THE CENTRAL PLAINS
INTO NORTHERN MINNESOTA BY SUNDAY NIGHT. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE
DEVELOPING TONIGHT WILL BECOME A STEADIER FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY
MORNING. ICE ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM A TENTH TO A QUARTER
OF AN INCH...WITH THE HEAVIEST AMOUNTS EXPECTED NORTH OF MORRIS TO
ST CLOUD MINNESOTA WHERE AN ICE STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT. 
PRECIPITATION SHOULD BECOME ALL RAIN FROM SOUTH TO NORTH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON AS TEMPERATURES WARM THROUGH THE 30S.

MNZ041>043-047>049-241800-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0006.161225T1200Z-161226T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.IS.W.0001.161225T1500Z-161226T0000Z/
DOUGLAS-TODD-MORRISON-STEVENS-POPE-STEARNS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALEXANDRIA...LONG PRAIRIE...
LITTLE FALLS...MORRIS...GLENWOOD...ST CLOUD
343 AM CST SAT DEC 24 2016

...ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM CST SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN HAS ISSUED
AN ICE STORM WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM CST
SUNDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE TONIGHT WILL BECOME A
  STEADIER FREEZING RAIN MID SUNDAY MORNING INTO LATE AFTERNOON.
  SOME SNOW OR SLEET MAY ALSO MIX IN AT TIMES. PRECIPITATION WILL
  TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING AS
  TEMPERATURES WARM INTO THE UPPER 30S.

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...AROUND 1/4 INCH.

* WINDS...EAST SOUTHEAST BETWEEN 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 40 TO
  50 MPH.

* MAIN IMPACTS...ICING ON POWER LINES COUPLED WITH THE STRONG
  WINDS MAY RESULT IN FAIRLY WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES. DANGEROUS
  TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE ALSO EXPECTED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

AN ICE STORM WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF ICE ACCUMULATIONS
WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. TRAVEL IS STRONGLY
DISCOURAGED. COMMERCE WILL LIKELY BE SEVERELY IMPACTED. IF YOU
MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR
VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. ICE ACCUMULATIONS AND WINDS WILL
LIKELY LEAD TO SNAPPED POWER LINES AND FALLING TREE BRANCHES THAT
ADD TO THE DANGER.

&&

$$

MNZ044-050-241800-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0006.161225T1200Z-161226T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.ZR.Y.0002.161225T1500Z-161225T2100Z/
MILLE LACS-BENTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...PRINCETON...FOLEY
343 AM CST SAT DEC 24 2016

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM CST
SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN HAS ISSUED
A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM
CST SUNDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE TONIGHT WILL BECOME A
  STEADIER FREEZING RAIN MID TO LATE SUNDAY MORNING INTO MID
  AFTERNOON. SOME SNOW OR SLEET MAY ALSO MIX IN AT TIMES.
  PRECIPITATION WILL TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON
  AS TEMPERATURES WARM INTO THE UPPER 30S.

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...BETWEEN ONE AND TWO TENTHS OF AN INCH.

* WINDS...EAST SOUTHEAST BETWEEN 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 35 TO
  45 MPH.

* MAIN IMPACTS...ICING ON POWER LINES COUPLED WITH THE STRONG
  WINDS MAY RESULT IN POWER OUTAGES. DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS
  ARE ALSO EXPECTED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF FREEZING RAIN OR
FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

&&

$$

MNZ054>058-064>067-073>076-082>085-091>093-241800-
/O.NEW.KMPX.ZR.Y.0002.161225T1200Z-161225T2100Z/
LAC QUI PARLE-SWIFT-CHIPPEWA-KANDIYOHI-MEEKER-YELLOW MEDICINE-
RENVILLE-MCLEOD-SIBLEY-REDWOOD-BROWN-NICOLLET-LE SUEUR-WATONWAN-
BLUE EARTH-WASECA-STEELE-MARTIN-FARIBAULT-FREEBORN-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MADISON...BENSON...MONTEVIDEO...
WILLMAR...LITCHFIELD...GRANITE FALLS...OLIVIA...HUTCHINSON...
GAYLORD...REDWOOD FALLS...NEW ULM...ST PETER...LE SUEUR...
ST JAMES...MANKATO...WASECA...OWATONNA...FAIRMONT...BLUE EARTH...
ALBERT LEA
343 AM CST SAT DEC 24 2016

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 3 PM CST
SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN HAS ISSUED
A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 3 PM
CST SUNDAY. 

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE TONIGHT WILL BECOME A
  STEADIER FREEZING RAIN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING INTO EARLY
  AFTERNOON. PRECIPITATION WILL TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN BY MID
  AFTERNOON AS TEMPERATURES WARM INTO THE UPPER 30S.

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...BETWEEN ONE AND TWO TENTHS OF AN INCH.

* WINDS...EAST SOUTHEAST BETWEEN 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 40 TO
  50 MPH.

* MAIN IMPACTS...ICING ON POWER LINES COUPLED WITH THE STRONG
  WINDS MAY RESULT IN POWER OUTAGES. DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS
  ARE ALSO EXPECTED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF FREEZING RAIN OR
FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

&&

$$

MNZ045-051>053-059>063-068>070-077-078-WIZ014>016-023>028-241800-
/O.NEW.KMPX.ZR.Y.0002.161225T1500Z-161225T2100Z/
KANABEC-SHERBURNE-ISANTI-CHISAGO-WRIGHT-HENNEPIN-ANOKA-RAMSEY-
WASHINGTON-CARVER-SCOTT-DAKOTA-RICE-GOODHUE-POLK-BARRON-RUSK-
ST. CROIX-PIERCE-DUNN-PEPIN-CHIPPEWA-EAU CLAIRE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MORA...ELK RIVER...CAMBRIDGE...
CENTER CITY...MONTICELLO...MINNEAPOLIS...BLAINE...ST PAUL...
STILLWATER...CHASKA...SHAKOPEE...HASTINGS...FARIBAULT...
RED WING...OSCEOLA...RICE LAKE...LADYSMITH...HUDSON...
RIVER FALLS...PRESCOTT...MENOMONIE...DURAND...CHIPPEWA FALLS...
EAU CLAIRE
343 AM CST SAT DEC 24 2016

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM CST
SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN HAS ISSUED
A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM
CST SUNDAY. 

* TIMING...AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE TONIGHT WILL BECOME A
  STEADIER FREEZING RAIN MID TO LATE SUNDAY MORNING INTO MID
  AFTERNOON. PRECIPITATION WILL TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN BY MID
  AFTERNOON AS TEMPERATURES WARM INTO THE UPPER 30S.

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...AROUND ONE TENTH OF AN INCH.

* WINDS...EAST SOUTHEAST BETWEEN 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 40 TO
  50 MPH.

* MAIN IMPACTS...ICING ON POWER LINES COUPLED WITH THE STRONG
  WINDS MAY RESULT IN POWER OUTAGES. DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS
  ARE ALSO EXPECTED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF FREEZING RAIN OR
FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

&&

$$

BORGHOFF

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this winter storm watch went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Twin Cities, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before this winter storm watch went out at Dec 22, 10:56 PM CST, 4 hours 26 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 22, 10:56 PM CST, 4 hours 26 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1056 PM CST Thu Dec 22 2016

.UPDATE...For 06z Aviation discussion below

&&

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Friday Night)
Issued at 351 PM CST Thu Dec 22 2016

Surface analysis this afternoon shows
a sprawling area of high pressure centered over the Central Plains,
extending over much of the north-central CONUS. Aloft, generally
zonal flow is observed over the central CONUS but the feature of
note is moving onshore the SoCal and Baja coasts: a potent southern
stream shortwave trough. Over the next 24-36 hours, the surface high
pressure will shift east into the Mid-Atlantic states while a weak
area of low pressure develops over WY/SD along a NE-SW oriented
surface trough associated with a stronger low pressure center in
south-central Canada. The upper level trough is expected to shift
northeast into the Central Plains by daybreak Friday morning, on its
way to the Mississippi River by around midnight Friday night. As the
trough catches up to the surface feature, they will work in tandem
bringing Pacific moisture up to the Northern Plains and Upper
Mississippi River Valley regions Friday. Enough cold air will be
present while deep lift is increased significantly due to the
presence of the features at the surface and loft such that light
snow will be produced for much of the day on Friday into early
Friday evening. Using WPC QPF of around 0.30" for much of southern
MN into western WI, snowfall amounts of 2-4" will be commonplace for
much of the coverage area. After collab with WFOs ARX and DMX, have
agreed that over 3" of snow is expected in the I-35 corridor south
of the Twin Cities metro and points east along the I-94 corridor in
WI so have issued a Winter Weather Advisory for those portions of
the WFO MPX coverage area. The heaviest snow looks to come Friday
afternoon and evening, which will be prime traveling time leading up
to the Christmas weekend. The snow will let up late Friday night
into early Saturday morning with improving conditions going into
Christmas Eve morning. Temperatures will have small diurnal
variation, hitting lows in the low-mid 20s tonight followed by highs
in the lower 30s on Friday. With the passage of the cold front
Friday night, slightly lower temperatures are expected with lows
ranging from the upper teens in western MN to the mid 20s in western
WI.

.LONG TERM...(Saturday through Thursday)
Issued at 351 PM CST Thu Dec 22 2016

The focus of the long term is obviously the strong low pressure
system that will bring Christmas rain to the area. The potential
hazards with this storm will be freezing drizzle/freezing rain on
Christmas, and strong winds to follow on the backside of this system.

Confidence in the forecast track of the surface low continues to
rise.  The guidance today altered the previous runs very little and
continue to advertise the storm deepening to near 980mb through
South Dakota and tracking to the northeast through northern MN. This
setup means the warm front will lift north through southern MN and
west central WI and bring plenty of warm air to the region to
support rain.  But, the initial concern is for threat of freezing
drizzle Saturday night through Sunday morning.

Forecast soundings indicate a dry and warm nose in the 800-900mb
layer lifting north and pushing that layer above freezing.  So, low
level saturation under 900mb and weak lift look to support drizzle
formation and even through this part of the sounding is below
freezing, with no ice crystals present from aloft means small water
droplets in the from of freezing drizzle will make it to the
surface.  Much of this leans on the GFS forecast as the NAM looks to
have a fast bias in terms of how quickly this system moves through,
so basically focused on a blend of non-NAM guidance at this time.  A
couple hundredths to a tenth of an inch of icing is not out of the
question at this time, so we are concerned about travel conditions
Christmas morning.

Deep saturation should begin arriving after 12Z Sunday from southern
MN and pushing north through the region.  This could introduce true
freezing rain, most likely in central MN where surface temperatures
could still be below freezing.  Surface temps farther south may rise
above freezing before we see much rainfall, but those areas are
still going to deal with the possibility of freezing drizzle Sunday
morning. What we think is the most likely scenario at this time is
for a period of freezing drizzle overnight Saturday into Sunday
morning, then a transition to rain/freezing rain and sleet from
south to north as deep saturation arrives and surface temps warm.
But, if that moisture arrives before surface temps warm, we could
see a period of true freezing rain and if that does happen, amounts
of more than 0.1" would be possible and make for dangerous travel
conditions. Confidence in these type of ice amounts is low at this
time, however.  This is why we refrained from issuing a Winter Storm
Watch today in central MN. There is no question most of the QPF from
this system will fall as rain, would like to see more consistent
signals of significant ice accumulation before issuing a Winter
Storm Watch as there will be little to no snow in our forecast area
with this storm.  In terms of amounts, the QPF has come down some
across our area since yesterday with generally 0.75-1.00" expected
by Monday.  We do not expect to see significant flooding issues from
this and sub-freezing temperatures quickly coming in Sunday night
into Monday, any water should begin to freeze up which would cause
issues on any untreated surfaces.

The next concern is the wind which will be breezy from the southeast
Sunday, but become much stronger after the cold front passage Sunday
night into Monday morning.  With a 990mb low departing and a 1030mb
high pushing in from the west, we could see wind advisory strength
winds and gusts over 40mph Monday morning under a strong cold air
advection regime.

Continue to check back for updates on the icing threat for Saturday
night and Sunday.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 06Z TAFS through 06Z Friday night)
Issued at 1056 PM CST Thu Dec 22 2016

VFR conditions to start the period then conditions deteriorate
notably between 12z and 15z Friday, when snow begins and
cigs/vsbys reduce to MVFR. Have slowed down onset time by 2-3
hours, as hi-res models look a bit slower. Reductions to IFR are
possible at times when moderate snow is falling during the day.
Snow tapers off around/after 00z Saturday with VFR conditions
returning. Southerly winds around 10 kts will prevail through the
period, with gusts to 20kts at northern sites (KAXN/KSTC) on
Friday. Borderline wind shear is possible tonight through
daybreak, but it does not quite meet criteria for inclusion in the
TAF at most sites (with the exception of KSTC around daybreak
Friday).

KMSP...
Cigs/vsbys are expected to lower to MVFR around 15z Friday, with
Sub-1700ft cigs the most likely between 18z and 21z. Visibilities
down to 1SM are also possible when the snow is falling, but do
not expect snowfall rates to lower down to 1 in/hr. Conditions
then look to improve by the time of the evening push as snow ends,
but cigs around 2000ft will likely linger during the evening.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
Sat...VFR. Wind Vrb 5 knots.
Sun...MVFR with -RA/PL/FZRA likely early, then -RA. Winds SE at
15G25kt.
Mon...MVFR and windy. Wind W at 20G30kt.

&&

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Winter Weather Advisory from 6 AM to 9 PM CST Friday for
     WIZ024>028.

MN...Winter Weather Advisory from 6 AM to 9 PM CST Friday for MNZ077-
     078-085-093.

&&

SHORT TERM...JPC
LONG TERM...SPD
AVIATION...LS
Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 22, 2:58 PM CST, 12 hours 24 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
258 PM CST THU DEC 22 2016

MNZ041>045-047>070-073>076-082>084-091-092-WIZ014>016-023-231500-
DOUGLAS-TODD-MORRISON-MILLE LACS-KANABEC-STEVENS-POPE-STEARNS-
BENTON-SHERBURNE-ISANTI-CHISAGO-LAC QUI PARLE-SWIFT-CHIPPEWA-
KANDIYOHI-MEEKER-WRIGHT-HENNEPIN-ANOKA-RAMSEY-WASHINGTON-
YELLOW MEDICINE-RENVILLE-MCLEOD-SIBLEY-CARVER-SCOTT-DAKOTA-
REDWOOD-BROWN-NICOLLET-LE SUEUR-WATONWAN-BLUE EARTH-WASECA-MARTIN-
FARIBAULT-POLK-BARRON-RUSK-ST. CROIX-
258 PM CST THU DEC 22 2016

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
MINNESOTA...EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA...SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA...
SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA...WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA...NORTHWEST
WISCONSIN AND WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

A COLD FRONT WILL SWING THROUGH THE AREA FRIDAY. ONE TO THREE
INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS MUCH OF THE COVERAGE AREA
WITH THE HIGHEST AMOUNTS OVER EASTERN AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA.

A POWERFUL SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THE REGION CHRISTMAS
DAY AND CHRISTMAS NIGHT. A WINTRY MIX WILL DEVELOP SUNDAY
MORNING WITH ICING POSSIBLE...GRADUALLY TURNING TO ALL RAIN FROM
SOUTH TO NORTH DURING THE DAY. PRECIPITATION MAY REMAIN A WINTRY
MIX ACROSS FAR WESTERN MINNESOTA WITH SNOW OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS
POSSIBLE. HEAVY RAINFALL AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE
SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THE HEAVY RAINFALL MAY LEAD TO
MINOR URBAN AND RIVER FLOODING. STRONG WEST WINDS WILL FOLLOW THE
STORM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL NOT BE NEEDED.

MNZ077-078-085-093-WIZ024>028-231500-
RICE-GOODHUE-STEELE-FREEBORN-PIERCE-DUNN-PEPIN-CHIPPEWA-
EAU CLAIRE-
258 PM CST THU DEC 22 2016

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
MINNESOTA...SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA AND WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

A COLD FRONT WILL SWING THROUGH THE AREA FRIDAY. THREE TO FOUR INCHES
OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
INTO WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN...MAINLY ALONG THE INTERSTATE 35
CORRIDOR SOUTH OF THE TWIN CITIES AND POINTS EAST ALONG THE
INTERSTATE 94 CORRIDOR IN WISCONSIN.

A POWERFUL SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THE REGION CHRISTMAS
DAY AND CHRISTMAS NIGHT. A WINTRY MIX WILL DEVELOP SUNDAY
MORNING WITH ICING POSSIBLE...GRADUALLY TURNING TO ALL RAIN FROM
SOUTH TO NORTH DURING THE DAY. PRECIPITATION MAY REMAIN A WINTRY
MIX ACROSS FAR WESTERN MINNESOTA WITH SNOW OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS
POSSIBLE. HEAVY RAINFALL AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE
SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THE HEAVY RAINFALL MAY LEAD TO
MINOR URBAN AND RIVER FLOODING. STRONG WEST WINDS WILL FOLLOW THE
STORM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL NOT BE NEEDED.

Nearby

Winter Storm Watches in Minnesota, 2016Every winter storm watch in 2016

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.