Bitter cold and lake effect snow! Headline information.

Issued at 3:59 PM CST, Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

*EXTREME COLD WARNING*
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from Midnight CST Tonight until Noon CST Thursday for the following Counties in Minnesota:  Koochiching...Itasca...Cass...Crow Wing...Aitkin...Central and Northern St. Louis.  Some cities included in the warning are:  International Falls...Bigfork...Grand Rapids...Cass Lake...Walker...Pine River...Brainerd...Aitkin...McGregor...Hill City...Hibbing...Virginia...Ely...and Crane Lake.

Discussion:  Wind chill values to 40 below zero late Tonight into Thursday Morning.  Frostbite times under these conditions of exposed skin of a healthy adult can occur in 15 minutes or less.  Young children and the elderly are most vulnerable to the cold.

Impacts:  Frostbite and prolonged exposure to these conditions can lead to hypothermia and death if not treated.  Ensure that appropriate shelter for outdoor animals is available.

This extreme cold warning means dangerously cold wind chill values are expected.  Frostbite and hypothermia are likely in as little as 15 minutes.  If you go outdoors, take proper protection and cover exposed skin.  Many deaths in these conditions occur in house fires caused by wood burning stoves and alternate heat producing devices.

*LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY*
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

Lake Effect Snow Advisory is in effect from 10pm CST Tonight until Noon CST Thursday for Iron County in Northwest Wisconsin.  Some cities included in the advisory are:  Gile...Hurley...Upson...and Montreal.

Discussion:  Lake effect snow showers will develop by mid to late Evening.  Snow showers will then continue into early Thursday Afternoon.  Total snowfall accumulations of 3-6" are expected in the advisory area.  Visibilities will drop to one quarter mile at times due to the falling snow and winds gusting to 30 mph which will lead to considerable blowing snow.  The combination of snow, wind, and falling temperatures will create hazardous road conditions through Thursday.  In addition, wind chills will fall into the 20s below zero Overnight.

This lake effect snow advisory means lake effect snow is forecast that will make travel difficult in some areas.  It is common for lake effect snow accumulations and snowfall rates to vary greatly over very short distances.  Use caution when driving and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Tim