First taste of winter
The Brainerd area had its first taste of winter Wednesday and today, but it's not expected to last through the weekend.
About 1 1/2 inches of snow fell between Wednesday afternoon and early today, said Mark Mortensen, program forester with the DNR, and another 1 to 3 inches could fall later today.
Accompanying the snowfall will be 25 to 35 mph winds, which with a temperature in the mid 30s will produce wind chill temperatures in the mid teens, the National Weather Service in Duluth reported. The strong gusts will create low visibility at times, as well as drifting snow. Low temperatures tonight will be in the mid-20s.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for most of the area today and the snowfall is expected to end by sunset, the NWS-Duluth reported.
Those hoping for an early winter will probably have to wait, however, as temperatures are expected to reach 45 to 50 degrees by Sunday, melting the accumulated snow.
In Todd County, the winter weather was a factor in the death of a 35-year-old Long Prairie man Wednesday night.
The Todd County Sheriff's Department reported the man was involved in a single-vehicle rollover about 9:25 p.m. on Todd County Road 10, about a mile west of Highway 71.
Slushy roads and windy weather conditions were contributing factors in the accident, Deputy Mark Grinstead said, adding the victim wasn't wearing a seat belt.
The name of the victim is being held pending notification of family members.