UPDATE: Winter Storm Warnings Now In Over 17 Minnesota, Wisconsin Counties

Believe it or not, the first day of Spring is still scheduled for Friday, March 20. That may be difficult for many people in Minnesota to believe, especially those in the northern part of the state, given the snow that has already fallen this week.

Of course, Minnesotans know that snow can fall at just about any time, considering the latest day measurable snow (0.1 inch or more) was ever recorded was on June 4, 1935, when 1.5 inches fell in Mizpah, Minnesota.

The earliest measurable snow in Minnesota was 0.3 inches on September 14, 1964, in International Falls, so the state can receive snowfall during 9 months of the year.

While it's likely disappointing to most, it's not surprising that another March storm is approaching, and this one could pack a punch for parts of the state.

UPDATED BLIZZARD WARNINGS NOW WINTER STORM WARNINGS: To prepare people in those areas, the National Weather Service had 2 Blizzard Warnings and several Winter Storm Warnings. As of Friday morning, the Blizzard Warnings were changed to Winter Storm Warnings as several inches of snow are still possible, but blizzard conditions have subsided.

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Winter Storm Warning #1

Including the cities of Duluth, Cloquet, Silver Bay, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, and the surrounding areas.

• What: Heavy snow expected. Additional snow accumulations up to three inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
• Where: Carlton and South St. Louis, Southern Cook and Southern Lake Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Fond du Lac Band and the Grand Portage Reservation.
• When: Until 1 pm on Friday, March 13.
• Impacts: Visibility may drop below 1 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may bring down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.

If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Call 511 or visit www.511mn.org for Minnesota road information.

Winter Storm Warning #2

This includes the cities and surrounding areas of Bayfield, Washburn, Isabella, Hibbing, Superior, and Ely.

• What: Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches except between 3 and 6 inches for northern Bayfield County. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph, leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
• Where: In Minnesota, Central and North St. Louis, and Northern Cook and Lake Counties. In Wisconsin, Bayfield and Douglas Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Red Cliff Band and the Bois Forte Band, Nett Lake, and Lake Vermilion areas. Other locations, including Voyageurs National Park and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The entire Boundary Waters is also included.
• When: Until 1 pm on Friday, March 13.
• Impacts: Visibility will drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may bring down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.

Winter Storm Warning #3

This includes the city of Ashland and Hurley, and the surrounding area.

• What: Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches except between 2 and 4 inches for northern and east-central Ashland County and between 4 and 6 inches for northern Iron County. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph, leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
• Where: Ashland and Iron Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the northwestern area of the Lac du Flambeau Band and the Bad River Reservation. Other locations, including Madeline Island.
• When: Until 7 pm on Friday, March 13.
• Impacts: Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening.

Winter Storm Warning #4

This includes the cities of Niagara, Tomahawk, Townsend, Neopit, Rhinelander, Wausaukee, Spread Eagle, Mountain, Crivitz, Antigo, Eagle River, Middle Inlet, Commonwealth, Keshena, High Falls Reservoir, Crandon, Lac Du Flambeau, Porterfield, Peshtigo, Merrill, Loomis, Lakewood, Harmony, and Aurora.

NOTE: The Winter Storm Warning ends at 1 pm Friday, but a Winter Storm Watch begins Saturday evening.

• What: For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to an inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow is possible. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches are possible. Locally higher amounts up to 24 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
• Where: Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Menominee, Northern Marinette County, Northern Oconto County, and Southern Marinette County.
• When: For the Winter Storm Warning, until 1 pm on Friday, March 13. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon.
• Impacts: For the Winter Storm Warning, travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing and drifting snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. For the Winter Storm Watch, the strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may bring down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Whiteout and near-blizzard conditions are possible and may make
  travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult or impossible.

SEE NOW: Fundraiser Started For Children Of Victim Of Murder-Suicide In Minnesota

Check with the National Weather Service for updates. For updated road conditions, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org for Minnesota and www.511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

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