Blizzard Warning Alert: Exact Snowfall Maps, Storm Timing, and Critical Safety Tips

Blizzard warnings stretch from Minnesota’s North Shore to Alaska’s western coast this week, with forecasters urging residents to prepare for white-out travel conditions, dangerous wind chills and potential power interruptions. In Minnesota, the National Weather Service hoisted a Blizzard Warning for the Lake Superior shoreline from Two Harbors north to Grand Marais through Thursday morning. Gusts topping 50 mph will combine with eight to twelve inches of lake-enhanced snow, dropping visibility below a quarter-mile at times and shutting down portions of Highway 61. Farther south, the Twin Cities metro remains under a Winter Weather Advisory, but forecasters warn that a secondary system Friday could bring another 3–5 inches during the evening commute. Alaska faces an even harsher punch from winter. The National Weather Service office in Fairbanks reports life-threatening wind chills of –70 °F and blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero along the Seward Peninsula and Yukon Delta. Blizzard Warnings there last through at least Wednesday night as northerly gusts reach 60 mph, threatening coastal erosion and funneling bitter Arctic air inland. Across the Atlantic, the U.K. Met Office has issued multiple Yellow and Amber snow and ice warnings for northern Scotland, Northern England and parts of Wales through the weekend. Computer models show a 500-mile-long snow band sweeping southeast, depositing up to 25 inches (65 cm) on higher ground while strong easterly winds whip up blizzard conditions on exposed moors and coastlines. Rail operators are already trimming timetables, and motorists are advised to pack emergency kits before setting out. What to expect over the next 48 hours • Rapidly deteriorating visibility: Blowing and drifting snow will make rural roads impassable, especially after nightfall. • Hazardous wind chills: Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 5 minutes in Alaska and 15 minutes along Minnesota’s North Shore. • Sporadic power outages: Heavy, wet snow and gale-force gusts may down lines; charge devices and keep flashlights handy. • Travel disruption: Airlines at Minneapolis-St. Paul, Duluth and Aberdeen airports are offering fee-free rebooking; check status before heading out. Safety checklist 1. Avoid non-essential travel during the peak of the storm. 2. Stock three days of food, water, medications and batteries. 3. Keep a full tank of fuel and a winter survival kit in your vehicle. 4. Use generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. 5. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates. Meteorologists emphasize that even brief lulls can be deceptive; white-out bursts often redevelop within minutes. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle, run the engine ten minutes each hour for heat and tie a bright cloth to the antenna to help rescuers spot you. With another surge of arctic air poised to dive south early next week, forecasters say the parade of winter storms is far from over. Stay tuned for updated blizzard warnings and keep preparedness plans at the ready.