Thomson, Minnesota

... Blizzard Warning now in effect until 6 am CST Saturday...

* snow will continue in Two Harbors... Duluth... Superior and
Cloquet this morning... before diminishing somewhat toward
midday. The next round of heavier snow will arrive
tonight... along with powerful east winds. This heavy snow will
continue into Christmas day. The Main Point that we want to make
is that even though the snow and winds may diminish for a time
starting around midday... a major full force blizzard will
commence by midnight tonight.

* Storm total snow accumulations are expected to reach 14 to 18
across much of the area... with local amounts greater than 20
inches likely... especially from Duluth northeastward along the
higher terrain adjacent to Lake Superior.

* East to northeast of 20 to 30 mph will actually diminish
somewhat for a time during the day... before strengthening
considerably overnight. Winds tonight are expected to reach 30
to 40 mph... with gusts to 50 mph possible near Lake Superior.
These intense winds will last into Christmas day. The
combination of winds and heavy falling snow will result in
widespread blowing and drifting snow and white out conditions by
midnight tonight.

* Road conditions will continue to deteriorate across the region
today. Again... the snow may diminish for a time from midday into
early evening... with heavy snow moving back in at that time. The
strongest winds will then arrive overnight... and last into
Christmas day... causing near impossible travel.

* The most severe conditions are expected from this evening
through Christmas day... when 1 to 2 inch per hour snowfall
accumulation rates and very strong winds will create whiteout
conditions. It cannot be stressed too much that travel overnight
and on Christmas day will be extremely dangerous.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Blizzard Warning means severe and life-threatening winter
weather conditions are expected. Any travel is strongly
discouraged. If you choose to travel... you may be risking your
life. Be aware that you may become stranded and that it could
take many hours for help to arrive. Keep a winter survival kit in
your vehicle... including a flashlight... food... and water. Let
someone know your travel Route and expected arrival time and have
a working cell phone in case you become stranded. If you become
stranded... stay with your vehicle and use it as a shelter. Many
deaths occur in blizzards when people leave their vehicles trying
to seek help.

It should also be emphasized this storm will affect a very large
part of the central United States... including Minnesota... much of
the Dakotas... Iowa and Wisconsin. Anyone with Holiday travel
plans across the region is urged to stay current with the latest
weather information regarding this developing storm.