The National Weather Service and Wright County Emergency Management are preparing for an unprecedented series of winter weather events today (Dec. 15), some that will impact Wright County.
Dense fog in enveloping much of the area this morning as temperatures remained above freezing overnight, reducing visibility to dangerously high levels in low-lying areas. The fog will lift as temperatures near 50 degrees this afternoon. The all-time high temperature recorded at MSP Airport for Dec. 15 is 51 degrees, which is expected to be surpassed. Later today, the first December severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings in the history of Minnesota weather are expected to be issued. However, later in the day is when the primary danger will come for Wright County.
Wright County is cut in three sections for the potential for dangerous storms – another December first. Around 7 p.m. tonight, a line of severe storms typically associated with summer is going to race across the area, with the potential for an inch of rain and tornados. Once the rain line passes through, a High Wind Warning will be in place with sustained winds of 30-40 miles per hour and straight-line gusts of up to 80 mph. Strong winds may down trees and power lines and power outages are expected. Travel will also be difficult, especially for large vehicles like semi trucks. Overnight, the storm is expected to wrap around with the potential for measurable snow and bitterly cold winds. People are advised to avoid being outside in forested areas and encouraged to remain in the lower levels of their homes away from windows during the windstorms. Temperatures are expected to drop approximately 30 degrees in eight hours with wind chills reaching near zero overnight at the height of the windstorms.
It’s going to be a crazy day for December, so residents are urged to take extra precautions to stay safe as this unprecedented storm system blows through.