Not here in Minneapolis-St Paul. It’s business as usual - albeit a little slower than usual. MSP Airport is running really behind today.
Southern Minnesota is a different story. Lots of rural schools closed for the day and some rural businesses too.
The snow is starting to let up here but the wind is still blowing pretty strong.
We’re waiting for the wind to pick up; THAT’S the part that will be brutal. I’ve shoveled a path down to the coop, but it’ll need to be maintained all day. Had to bash off a few trees that were dangerously bent from the snow, and Husband was in a panic because the Dish wasn’t working...but a clean-up of that and all was well in his little world, LOL!
It’s really very pretty - I’m so GLAD I don’t have to go anywhere today; couldn’t even if I wanted to because we’re out in the boonies and the plows haven’t been out this way yet.
We’re on the list for plowing, but I’m thinking that won’t happen until tomorrow at this point...
Across the lake (Grand Rapids):
... Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 4 PM EST Thursday...
Hazardous weather...
* snow will become heavier by early afternoon. Another 1 to 2 inches of snow can be expected through this evening. Periods of heavy lake effect snow are expected to begin tonight.
* Winds will become southwest and increase to 25 to 35 mph will develop by late afternoon with gusts of 40 to 50 mph. These winds will last into Thursday and cause considerable blowing and drifting of snow.
* Visibilities will frequently be reduced to near zero at times this evening into Thursday.
* Gusty winds along with rapidly falling temperatures will produce wind chills in the single digits by tonight.
* Expect additional snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches through Thursday afternoon.
Impacts...
* all travel should be completed as soon as possible.
* Travel will be most severely impacted late this afternoon as snow... blowing snow... and rapidly falling temperatures occur near the time of the afternoon commute. Blizzard conditions are expected throughout the evening... especially along U.S. Highway 131.
* Power outages will be possible tonight into Thursday morning due to the strong gusty winds.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
* it would be best not to travel tonight through Thursday.
* If you must travel... keep an extra flashlight... food... and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
* A Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained wind speeds or frequent gusts of over 35 mph are expected with considerable falling and/or blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities will become poor... with whiteout conditions at times. Those venturing outdoors may become lost or disoriented... so persons in the warning area are advised to stay indoors.