Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) – Residents of southern Minnesota are facing a double weather blow.
A dense fog has developed across the region as warmer air enters during the night hours. A dense fog warning will be in effect until mid-morning.
And then a very powerful storm system will come in Wednesday afternoon and the National Weather Service says it has the potential to produce “Dangerous historical winds” in the southern half of the state.
Here’s the latest summary from the NWS (posted at 3:45 am Wednesday):
The agency says winds will pick up across the region Wednesday afternoon with gusts of up to 40 mph. Heading into tonight, the winds will become very strong, reaching historic magnitudes of 50 to 65 mph across the board during the night hours. The magnitude of this wind event is extremely rare for the area. Widespread tree damage and power outages are expected. The outages could be prolonged in some areas due to the regional extent of the significant impact that loss of home heating could mean. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Empty semi-trailers will be at risk of tipping over.
A line of thunderstorms will run eastward through the area between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. These storms will move east / northeast at speeds of 60 to 70 mph and will be capable of producing damaging localized wind gusts in excess of 70 mph. Tornadoes will also be possible, particularly near and west of the Mississippi River. Severe risk is expected to gradually diminish as storms move east toward Wisconsin.
People should avoid being outdoors in wooded areas and around trees and branches. If possible, stay on the lower levels of your home during a windstorm and avoid windows. Be careful if you must drive.
Dropping temperatures overnight could cause a sudden freeze,
leading to some icy roads and sidewalks.
The Rochester cop is honored.
LOOK: History of food from the year you were born
.