Volatile System To Bring Severe Storms, High Winds To Stillwater

STILLWATER, MN — Stillwater could be hit with a series of severe thunderstorms Wednesday into Thursday, with forecasters also warning of winds above 80 mph.

The National Weather Service is forecasting “an unprecedented outbreak of severe thunderstorms” for December in the Twin Cities metro, with storms set to “race” across southern and eastern Minnesota into Wisconsin between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Widespread wind damage is likely, according to forecasters, who said tornadoes are also possible Wednesday.

“Today’s volatile day of weather has not been seen before in December,” the National Weather Service said.

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The National Weather Service on Wednesday morning issued a hazardous weather outlook for much of the Twin Cities metro, including Washington County, that says “conditions will deteriorate very quickly” Wednesday evening.

“Unless preparations are made ahead of time, it may be hard to take adequate shelter when one notices storms beginning to approach,” the NWS said, warning of “damaging” wind.

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A flash freeze is likely overnight, with temperatures due to drop into the low 20s, the NWS said.

The NWS also issued a dense-fog advisory in Washington County that runs until noon Wednesday.

Here is the NWS forecast for Stillwater:

Wednesday
A slight chance of drizzle before 1 p.m., then a chance of showers, mainly after 3 p.m.. Areas of fog before 11 a.m.. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Wednesday Night
Rain showers, snow showers, and freezing rain before 4 a.m., then a slight chance of snow showers and freezing rain between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 23. Windy, with a southeast wind 10 to 20 mph becoming west 25 to 35 mph. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday
Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 25. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.