Another wave of winter weather

Hey, here's something new - a forecast calling for a bunch of snow followed by really cold temperatures.

The latest winter storm warning this winter was issued for Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties. The warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Wednesday.

By Wednesday morning there's a possibility there will be 10 to 14 inches of snow on the ground, the National Weather Service in Duluth reported, with 20-30 mph winds and gusts up to 40 mph creating near blizzard conditions.

Amanda Graning, meteorologist with the weather service, said she expects at least a foot of snow to fall in Brainerd.

"This is going to be a very powerful storm," Graning said. "This is our good old, early springtime type storm."

Graning said light snow and freezing drizzle - "the nuisance stuff," as Graning called it - will precede the heavy snowfall, which is expected to start Tuesday morning and intensify by the afternoon, with 1-2 inches per hour possible.

When the fast-moving storm moves out of the area Wednesday morning it will be replaced by everybody's favorite - temperatures below zero.

"It adds a layer of complication to everything," Graning said.

On Tuesday night, low temps are forecast between 1 below to 6 below, with wind chill readings 20-30 below.

On Wednesday, high temps of 5-10 degrees are expected, with wind chill readings up to 20 below. On Wednesday night, low temps of 7 below to 12 below zero are expected.

Heavy snow and strong winds are expected to cause blowing and drifting snow on roadways and reduce visibility Tuesday and Wednesday.

John Bowen, Crow Wing County emergency manager, said county plows will be out as much as possible during the storm but he advised people to not drive if they don't have to, but if they must to make their trips in the morning before the heavy snow arrives.

"Travel is not going to be the greatest at all," Bowen said.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt. erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.