Each day this week Emergency Management will be posting a topic of the day. Starting today, the topic in Winter Storms and how winter storms form – ice storms, blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, winter watches warnings and wind chills.
Winter storms are formed in many ways. There are three key components to winter storms
- Cold Air — for snow and ice to form, the temperature must be below freezing in the clouds and near the ground.
- Moisture— water evaporating from the bodies of water, such as large lake, is an excellent source of moisture.
- Lift— lift causes moisture to rise and form clouds and precipitation.
Warning and Alerts
Residence of Todd County should listen to their NOAA weather radio, commercial radio and television for the latest winter storm warnings watches and advisories. Don’t forget to sign up for Todd County mass alert notification system, CodeRED. It is easier than ever to sign up just text from your cell phone keyword TODDCOUNTYMN to 99411.
What do outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories for all winter weather hazards mean?
- Outlook: Hazardous Weather Outlooks are issued daily and updated continuously by our team of meteorologists to inform you of ANY possible hazardous weather within the next seven days. You can find the Hazardous Weather Outlook on our web page.
- Watch: Winter Storm and Blizzard Watches mean that winter storm conditions including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain (or all of the above!) or a blizzard are possible within the next few days. An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold temperatures and winds are expected within the next few days. When a watch is in effect, continue to monitor the weather forecast and start planning for the specific hazards.
- Warning: Winter Storm, Ice Storm, and Blizzard Warnings mean significant storm or event is occurring or will begin in the next 24 hours. An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold wind chills or temperatures are occurring or will begin within the next 24 hours. Make sure to cover exposed skin and limit your time outdoors. When we issue warning you should complete your preparations! Take necessary precautions, including cancelling or changing travel plans. Stock up on essentials. Remember that you may be without power for a few days, so water and non-perishable food should be available for your whole family.
- Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather conditions are occurring or are imminent. Most warnings are issued for heavy snow and wind, but may also be issued for ice and sleet storms. If a warning is issued for your area you should take immediate action to ensure the appropriate safety precautions have been taken.
- Blizzard Warning: Visibilities are reduced to less than 1/4 mile for several hours due to falling and/or blowing snow, making travel virtually impossible. The wind will be at least 35 mph.
- Snow Squall Warning: An exceptionally rare warning that most typically applies to lake effect snow squalls, where visibility drops to near-zero. It is issued for one hour or less for a small area, and is relayed as a Wireless Emergency Alert.
- Extreme Cold Warning: *New for 2024-2025* Issued when apparent temperatures fall below a certain threshold. Apparent temperature is the air temperature when wind is calm or the wind chill when wind is present. A copy of the Wind Chill Chart is available on our web site. See above for the thresholds as they are different between northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.
- Advisory: The NWS issues Winter Weather, Freezing Rain, Cold Weather, and Dense Fog Advisories for conditions which warrant your increased awareness, but the weather is not expected to be severe enough to merit a warning. Some hazards that advisories are issued for are light snow accumulation, blowing snow, freezing drizzle or freezing rain with light accumulations, dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills, and fog.
You can view all our outlooks, advisories, watches, and warnings on our homepage. You can find more winter preparedness information at the Minnesota HSEM Winter Weather Safety page.
