Blizzard Warning Issued For Dakota County

EAGAN, MN — The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Dakota County, and said that "travel should be restricted to emergencies only."

A winter storm warning is already in effect for Dakota County and other counties across the Twin Cities metro area, and it will last through 3 a.m. Thursday. The blizzard warning will go into effect at 6 p.m. Thursday and will last through 6 a.m. Saturday.

Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches are expected, and winds will be gusting as high as 45 mph.

The widespread blowing snow will greatly reduce visibility, and the gusty winds could bring down tree branches and powerlines.

Meanwhile, there will be dangerously cold wind chills — as low as 35 below zero — which could cause frostbite on exposed skin in 10 minutes.

"This could be a life-threatening situation if you get stranded traveling," the NWS said in its warning to Dakota County residents. "Consider adjusting any travel plans now."

Here's the full NWS forecast from the South St. Paul Airport:

Wednesday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 3. Wind chill values as low as -16. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Wednesday Night: Snow, mainly before 4am. Low around -6. Wind chill values as low as -21. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of snow before 7am. Patchy blowing snow after 2pm. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near -2. Wind chill values as low as -28. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night: Widespread blowing snow, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -10. Wind chill values as low as -33. Blustery, with a northwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday: Widespread blowing snow. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near -2. Blustery, with a northwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Friday Night: Widespread blowing snow, mainly before 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around -7. Blustery, with a west northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Saturday: Areas of blowing snow before 5pm. Sunny and cold, with a high near 2. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around -12. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Christmas Day: A 20 percent chance of snow after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 9. West wind around 5 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming north northwest after midnight.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 12. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1. West wind around 5 mph becoming south southwest after midnight.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 18. South wind around 5 mph.