Alert archive / Minnesota / Winter Storm Watches in 2021

Winter Storm Watch 3, NWS Twin Cities, MN

February 3, 20219 counties in Minnesota; 4 counties in Wisconsin

NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this winter storm watch at Feb 3, 2021, 3:22 AM CST for 9 counties in Minnesota; 4 counties in Wisconsin. It took effect at Feb 4, 2021, 6:00 AM CST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Feb 3, 2021, 3:22 AM CST (09:22 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 4, 2021, 6:00 AM CST
Expired
Feb 3, 2021, 2:49 PM CST
In force
Issued by
NWS Twin Cities, MN

Counties Blue Earth County, MN, Faribault County, MN, Freeborn County, MN, Goodhue County, MN, Martin County, MN, Rice County, MN, Steele County, MN, Waseca County, MN, Watonwan County, MN, Chippewa County, WI, Eau Claire County, WI, Pepin County, WI, Rusk County, WI

The radar

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 77 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 09:25 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 79 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 2021-02-03Temperature 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°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2021-02-03The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 20 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 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
1278 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
42 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
20 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
61 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

095 
WWUS43 KMPX 030922
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
322 AM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW EXPECTED THURSDAY WITH SOME POTENTIAL 
FOR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ALSO ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA...

.Rain, snow, and possibly some freezing rain will develop late
tonight, mostly across southern and eastern Minnesota into 
western Wisconsin. A cold front will pass through Thursday morning
with temperatures falling from the low to mid 30s to the teens in
the afternoon. Precipitation will become widespread and turn to
snow quickly early Thursday morning following the cold front. Snow
will end from west to east in the afternoon and early evening.
Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected across 
south central Minnesota into west central Wisconsin, with the 
highest totals of around 6 inches along and east of a line from 
Eau Claire to Ladysmith.

In addition to the snow, strong northwest winds with gusts of 35
to 45 mph are expected Thursday through early Thursday evening. 
There is some potential for blizzard conditions across south 
central Minnesota where the strongest gusts are likely to occur. 
Much of this risk will depend on how much snow falls. 

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect Thursday through Thursday
evening south and east of a line from St. James, to Mankato, Red
Wing, Eau Claire, and Ladysmith.

MNZ078-WIZ016-026>028-032100-
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.A.0003.210204T1200Z-210205T0300Z/
Goodhue-Rusk-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Red Wing, Ladysmith, Durand, 
Chippewa Falls, and Eau Claire
322 AM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 
  inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...In Wisconsin, Rusk, Pepin, Chippewa and Eau Claire 
  Counties. In Minnesota, Goodhue County.

* WHEN...From Thursday morning through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

MNZ077-082>085-091>093-032100-
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.A.0003.210204T1200Z-210205T0300Z/
Rice-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Faribault, St James, Mankato, Waseca, 
Owatonna, Fairmont, Blue Earth, and Albert Lea
322 AM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations
  around 3 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of south central Minnesota.

* WHEN...From Thursday morning through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Prepare for possible blizzard conditions. Continue to monitor the
latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

Borghoff
1 follow-up statement
128 
WWUS43 KMPX 032049
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW EXPECTED THURSDAY WITH A BRIEF PERIOD OF
FREEZING DRIZZLE POSSIBLE AT THE ONSET...

.Rain, snow, and possibly some freezing rain or drizzle will 
develop late tonight, mostly across southern and eastern Minnesota
into western Wisconsin. A cold front will pass through Thursday 
morning with temperatures falling from the low to mid 30s to the 
teens in the afternoon. Precipitation will become widespread and 
turn to snow quickly early Thursday morning following the cold 
front. Snow will end from west to east in the afternoon and early 
evening. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches are expected 
across south central Minnesota into west central Wisconsin, with 
the highest totals of around 4 inches along and east of a line 
from Eau Claire to Ladysmith.

In addition to the snow, strong northwest winds with gusts of
30 to 40 mph are expected Thursday through early Thursday 
evening. The strong winds will cause areas of blowing snow and
reduced visibility.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect along and east of a line
from around Fairmont through the Twin Cities metro area and North
Branch. The advisory is for the combination of accumulating snow,
gusty winds, and the possibility of some freezing drizzle or light
freezing rain late tonight into early Thursday morning. The
morning commute will likely be impacted by wintry weather, so plan
some additional time if traveling.

MNZ082-041000-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0003.210204T1200Z-210205T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0600Z-210204T1500Z/
Watonwan-
Including the city of St James
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
9 AM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected, along with some freezing drizzle and
  patchy blowing snow. Total snow accumulations of up to one 
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Watonwan County.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ091-041000-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0003.210204T1200Z-210205T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0600Z-210204T2100Z/
Martin-
Including the city of Fairmont
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
3 PM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected, along with some freezing drizzle and
  patchy blowing snow. Total snow accumulations of up to one 
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Martin County.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 3 PM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ078-085-093-WIZ016-026>028-041000-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0003.210204T1200Z-210205T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0900Z-210205T0600Z/
Goodhue-Steele-Freeborn-Rusk-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Red Wing, Owatonna, Albert Lea, 
Ladysmith, Durand, Chippewa Falls, and Eau Claire
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM THURSDAY TO
MIDNIGHT CST THURSDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected, although mainly snow will 
  occur after 7 AM. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches and 
  ice accumulations of a light glaze. Winds gusting as high as 35 
  mph.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central Wisconsin and 
  south central and southeast Minnesota.

* WHEN...From 3 AM Thursday to midnight CST Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ077-084-092-041000-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0003.210204T1200Z-210205T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0900Z-210205T0300Z/
Rice-Waseca-Faribault-
Including the cities of Faribault, Waseca, and Blue Earth
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 PM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected, along with some freezing drizzle and
  patchy blowing snow. Total snow accumulations of up to two 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Rice, Waseca and Faribault Counties.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 9 PM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ083-041000-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0003.210204T1200Z-210205T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0900Z-210204T2100Z/
Blue Earth-
Including the city of Mankato
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected, along with some freezing drizzle and
  patchy blowing snow. Total snow accumulations of up to one 
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Blue Earth County.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 3 PM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact 
  the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ067-074-075-041000-
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0600Z-210204T1500Z/
Sibley-Brown-Nicollet-
Including the cities of Gaylord, New Ulm, and St Peter
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
9 AM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected, along with some freezing drizzle and
  patchy blowing snow. Total snow accumulations of up to one 
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Sibley, Brown and Nicollet Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact 
  the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ053-060>063-068>070-076-WIZ014-041000-
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0900Z-210204T2100Z/
Chisago-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-
Le Sueur-Polk-
Including the cities of Center City, Minneapolis, Blaine, 
St Paul, Stillwater, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Shakopee, 
Hastings, Le Sueur, and Osceola
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected, with mainly snow after 6
  AM. Some freezing drizzle and patchy blowing snow is also
  possible. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches and ice 
  accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest Wisconsin and east central and 
  south central Minnesota.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 3 PM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could educe visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact 
  the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

WIZ015-023-041000-
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0900Z-210205T0300Z/
Barron-St. Croix-
Including the cities of Rice Lake and Hudson
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 PM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected, with mainly snow after 7 AM.
  Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations
  of a light glaze.

* WHERE...Barron and St. Croix Counties.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 9 PM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact 
  the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

WIZ024-025-041000-
/O.NEW.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.210204T0900Z-210205T0600Z/
Pierce-Dunn-
Including the cities of River Falls and Menomonie
249 PM CST Wed Feb 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM THURSDAY TO
MIDNIGHT CST THURSDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected, with mainly snow after 7
  AM. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice 
  accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE...Pierce and Dunn Counties.

* WHEN...From 3 AM Thursday to midnight CST Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact 
  the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Twin Cities, MN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 3, 2:49 PM CSTWinter Weather AdvisoryMPXAnoka, Benton, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chisago and 25 more30 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Watches in Minnesota, 2021Winter Storm Watches in Wisconsin, 2021Every winter storm watch in 2021

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.