Mesoscale Discussion 0196
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0747 AM CDT Sat Mar 15 2025
Areas affected...portions of western Minnesota
Concerning...Heavy snow
Valid 151247Z - 151645Z
SUMMARY...Periods of heavy snow (perhaps exceeding 1 inch/hr at
times), along with blizzard conditions are possible this morning.
Winds may sustain over 35 mph (with higher gusts), with reduced
visibility possible in spots.
DISCUSSION...A stacked cyclone continues to occlude while drifting
toward Ontario. As this cyclone continues to track northward,
continued CAA will keep the column below freezing while 850-700 mb frontogenesis will continue to support adequate convergence/lift for
efficient dendrite production over central MN, which will pivot
around the northwestern quadrant of the cyclone and support moderate
to heavy snowfall over western MN this morning. Strong surface
isallobaric flow across the northwestern cyclone quadrant may
coincide with heavier snowfall rates (perhaps exceeding 1 inch/hr at
times), resulting in periodic blizzard conditions. Visibility may
reduce to or less than a quarter mile in the heavier snow bands.