UPDATE: A significant winter storm is sweeping across the northern United States today, with snowfall expected in Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued urgent winter weather advisories, warning residents of hazardous conditions and potential accumulation of snow.
The storm is driven by a powerful cold front that has dropped temperatures to wintry levels across much of the country. This system is expected to deliver the first significant snowfall of the season for many areas, aligning with climatological averages, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines.
WHAT TO KNOW: Snowfall will commence at 4 a.m. local time in South Dakota and Wyoming, where accumulations of up to 5 inches are anticipated, especially in regions above 5,000 feet elevation. Winds could gust up to 45 miles per hour, creating dangerous blowing snow conditions. Notable impacted areas include the northern Black Hills in South Dakota and the Wyoming Black Hills.
By Saturday evening, snowfall is expected to reach Minnesota and Michigan. The NWS has issued advisories for these states, with snow beginning around 7 p.m. in Michigan. Areas at risk include Delta, Luce, Northern Schoolcraft, Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Gogebic, Ontonagon, Baraga, Southern Houghton, Alger, and Marquette counties, where up to 8 inches of snow could accumulate.
In Minnesota, a winter weather advisory will take effect at 6 p.m. for Iron County, where the Tribal Lands of the Lac du Flambeau Band are located. Up to 8 inches of snow is possible here as well.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: The NWS Marquette warns, “During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.” Meanwhile, NWS Rapid City cautions that “gusty winds could bring down tree branches, leading to slippery road conditions.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Most winter weather advisories are set to expire by late Monday morning or afternoon; however, those for South Dakota and Wyoming will conclude sooner, on Saturday night. As conditions evolve, additional advisories may be issued throughout the weekend.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing weather situation, and prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions across the affected states.
