Justin Liles: A wintry mess over the next 24-36 hours

The Northland will continue to see the full gamut of precipitation over the next 24-36 hours. Snow will give way to Freezing rain is expected late this afternoon through Wednesday morning. There is potential for some significant icing amounts around or just above 0.35″, especially along the higher terrain of the South Shore into the Twin Ports. Winds will continue to blow off the lake at 20-30 mph with gusts exceeding 50-60 mph at times. This could lead to power outages overnight, especially along the higher terrain of the north shore and areas where freezing rain will become a problem. Heavy snowfall along with blizzard conditions are likely in our northwest viewing area.

The Iron Range, to International Falls, to Bemidji will see the worst. Over a foot of new snow is possible in these areas. In addition, later this evening don’t be surprised to hear a rumble of thunder around 9-10pm tonight. Some stronger storms are possible in northern Wisconsin and could produce some hail toward Minong, Siren and Hayward. Roads will likely be slick into Wednesday morning and school delays, cancellations and closures. Snow will likely linger in the northern half of the region through Thursday. Sunshine returns by the weekend.

TONIGHT
A slight chance of thunderstorms. Freezing rain, sleet with a slight chance of snow in the evening, then freezing rain, sleet likely with a slight chance of snow showers after midnight. Patchy blowing snow after midnight. Additional snow and sleet accumulation around an inch. Ice accumulation of a tenth to one quarter of an inch. Windy. Near steady temperature in the upper 20s. East winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
WEDNESDAY
Cloudy. Freezing rain with possible rain, snow, thunderstorms and sleet in the morning, then a chance of snow with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Additional snow and sleet accumulation around an inch. Total snow accumulation 2 to 7 inches. Ice accumulation of up to a tenth of an inch. Breezy with highs in the upper 30s. East winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, becoming southwest with gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Little or no additional snow accumulation. Breezy with lows around 17. West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Wind chill values as low as zero.
THURSDAY
Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Patchy blowing snow. Little or no snow accumulation. Breezy with highs in the lower 30s. West winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Wind chill values as low as 2 below in the morning.
THURSDAY NIGHT
Mostly cloudy in the evening, then clearing. Patchy blowing snow in the evening. Cold with lows around 10 above.
FRIDAY
Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.