Brandon Weatherz: Travel deteriorates Thursday

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All eyes remain on a system that could bring significant snow accumulation Thursday and Friday. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for much of the region. The Watch begins at 10 am Thursday and lasts until 10 am Friday for east central Minnesota reaching to South St. Louis County. The Arrowhead has the Watch from 1 pm Thursday to 1 pm Friday. Douglas, Bayfield, Burnett, Washburn, and Sawyer Counties have the Watch starting at 1 pm Thursday and lasting until 4 am Saturday. Ashland, Iron, and Price Counties will be in the Watch from 4 pm Thursday until 4 am Saturday.

Precipitation will come in two rounds, with the first being lighter this evening into tomorrow morning. We look north where light snow accumulation is possible by the morning commute. It’ll be more of a wintry mix in the Twin Ports with snow just starting to stick for the morning commute, and it’ll be mostly rain for the bulk of northwest Wisconsin. The more impactful round will bring deteriorating travel Thursday afternoon, and travel will remain difficult Thursday evening and Friday. Heavy snow and winds gusting near 45 mph will bring possible whiteout conditions. Snow lingers along the South Shore Saturday morning.

We’re on track to see the greatest accumulation along the South Shore of Lake Superior where 12-18” is possible and higher amounts will fall locally. A widespread 6-12” still reaches for the rest of northwest Wisconsin and much of northeast Minnesota. Amounts drop looking to the west.

Today: Mostly cloudy and mild. High 38. SSW 5-10 mph.

Tonight: Cloudy with rain and snow. Low 30. NE wind 5-15 mph. Chance of precip: 60%. Tomorrow: Snowy and breezy. High 34. NNE wind 10-20 mph. Chance of snow: 90%. Accumulation of 3-5” expected.

Tomorrow night: Snowy and blustery. Low 17. N wind 10-20 mph. Chance of snow: 90%. Accumulation of 2-4” expected.

Friday: Snow and breezy. High 24. N wind 10-20 mph. Chance of snow: 60%. Accumulation of 1-2” expected.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy and breezy. High 24. N wind 10-20 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High 31. W wind 10-15 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny. High 35. S wind 5-15 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with a chance for snow showers. High 35. SE wind 5-15 mph.