Weather Alert in Minnesota

Recent Locations: Vesta, MN

Winter Storm Warning issued March 13 at 9:31PM CDT until March 16 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

AREAS AFFECTED: Wabasha; Taylor; Clark; Buffalo; Trempealeau; Jackson

DESCRIPTION: ...MAJOR WINTER STORM SATURDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING... .A prolonged, high-impact winter storm will impact the region from Saturday night through Monday morning. Highest snow totals in excess of 12 to 18 inches are favored north of Interstate 90 with some locales north of Highway 10 approaching 24 inches. Along Interstate 90, a wintry mix of snow, freezing rain, and sleet makes it difficult to pin down exact snow and ice amounts, but impacts are warranting of a winter storm warning. Across northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, snow does not look to arrive until Sunday afternoon, so the winter storm watch is maintained until further details can be ascertained. Increasing winds Sunday afternoon and night should result in whiteout conditions for exposed locales and an upgrade to a blizzard warning is likely once the exact threat area is determined. Regardless of exact snow amounts, expect major travel impacts regionwide with some roads possibly impassable, especially in wind-prone areas. * WHAT...Heavy snow expected, which may mix briefly at times with sleet and freezing rain. Total snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches with localized amounts approaching 24 inches. Winds gusting up to 45 mph may result in blizzard conditions later Sunday into Monday morning. A glaze of ice is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southeast Minnesota and central, north central, and west central Wisconsin. * WHEN...From 7 PM Saturday to 1 PM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

INSTRUCTION: If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. In Minnesota, visit 511mn.org for road conditions. In Wisconsin, visit 511wi.gov for road conditions.

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North America Water Vapor (Moisture)

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Weather Topic: What are Cirrostratus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrostratus Clouds

Next Topic: Cirrus Clouds

Cirrostratus clouds are high, thin clouds that form above 20,000 feet and are made mostly of ice crystals. They sometimes look like giant feathers, horse tails, or curls of hair in the sky. These clouds are pushed by the jet stream and can move at high speeds reaching 100 mph.

What do they indicate?
They indicate that a precipitation is likely within 24 hours.

Next Topic: Cirrus Clouds

Weather Topic: What is Condensation?

Home - Education - Precipitation - Condensation

Next Topic: Contrails

Condensation is the process which creates clouds, and therefore it is a crucial process in the water cycle. Condensation is the change of matter from a state of gas into a state of liquid, and it happens because water molecules release heat into the atmosphere and become organized into a more closely packed structure, what we might see as water droplets.

Water is always present in the air around us as a vapor, but it's too small for us to see. When water undergoes the process of condensation it becomes organized into visible water droplets. You've probably seen condensation happen before on the surface of a cold drink!

Next Topic: Contrails