Winter storm advisory for Monday's commute

Another winter storm will be rolling across Minnesota and into Wisconsin tonight, December 8. According to the National Weather Service, the storm will once again have less impact on the North Shore, but Cook County can still expect 4 - 6 inches overnight, with the worst conditions between midnight and 6 a.m.
 
Cook County and northern Lake County are under a winter weather advisory until noon on Monday, and by 10 p.m., Sunday, freezing drizzle had begun.
 
The weather service predicts 6 - 8 inches in the Silver Bay area and 6 - 10 inches in the already hard-hit Duluth area. Across Lake Superior in the Ashland and Hurley, Wisconsin areas, snow totals could reach 8 to 12 inches.

Snow will begin before midnight Sunday in central Minnesota and will spread east, giving heavy snowfall rates between midnight and noon before exiting Monday afternoon.

Sunday night’s low will likely fall to zero.

The Monday high should be around 6 degrees. Monday night temps will fall to -11 degrees, with winds of 5 to 10 mph, and some gusts as high as 15 mph. That equals wind chills of -20 or -30 degrees.

Cold temperatures continue through the week, with a Tuesday high near -2; the Tuesday night low, -15 degrees. The forecast expects continued negative temps on Wednesday with a high near -2 and the Wednesday night low, around -11.

At this time, the National Weather Service predicts a warming trend on Thursday with a high near 13 degrees.

The predicted hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

Motorists are advised to plan on slippery road conditions. Each year, on average, more than 5,000 people are killed and more than 418,000 are injured due to weather-related vehicle crashes. If you need to drive in snow or cold conditions, take it slow in the snow. Black ice can be difficult to see. If the temperature is near freezing, drive like you're on ice--you may be!

Before you leave the house, especially before a longer trip, make sure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater, and windshield wipers are in proper condition. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Avoid traveling alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.