Pope County and the surrounding region should prepare for a significant storm system coming through the area this weekend (March 14-16), a weather event that is now expected to bring high winds and blizzard conditions, which would impact travel late Friday and especially Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a powerful storm system will bring all types of spring weather to western Minnesota through Saturday the 15th. Showers and a chance of thunderstorms will arrive this Friday evening. The rain will turn to a wintry mix late tonight, then to moderate or heavy snow early Saturday morning as much colder air arrives. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible at times. Northwest winds will increase significantly during the transition to sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph into Saturday afternoon. The snow combined with strong winds will lead to blizzard conditions. At the time of this update on Friday afternoon the 14th, a Blizzard Warning has been issued for much of west central Minnesota, including Pope County, from 5:00 am Saturday to 4:00 pm Saturday, and a High Wind Warning has been issued for Pope County from 3:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday.
Be weather aware and plan appropriately for the possibility of returning, significant weather activity during this time, including impacts on ability to travel on Saturday. Keep up to date by monitoring forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service’s Twin Cities office at https://www.weather.gov/mpx and monitor road conditions by visiting https://511mn.org/ Minnesota’s 511 travel site.