Weather may get wild later today, tonight in the Northland

What could be a wild day of weather is on tap for the Northland today, as severe thunderstorms, strong winds and accumulating snow are possible over the next 24 hours.

Some parts of the region may see more than a half-foot of snow late tonight into Monday morning as a strong spring storm affects the Upper Midwest.

Thunderstorms

After widespread rain earlier today, thunderstorms are forecast to develop across southern parts of the Northland this afternoon.

Some storms may be severe - especially south of the Twin Ports, in east-central Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. Large hail and damaging winds are the main threats, but there also is a chance for a tornado.

There's a greater risk of severe weather farther south in Minnesota and Wisconsin, toward the Twin Cities, Eau Claire and Wausau.

Wind

Northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts to 40 to 50 mph, will be possible in the Twin Ports and along the Lake Superior shore today and tonight.

A gale warning is in effect for the nearshore waters of western Lake Superior.

Snow

A winter weather advisory is in effect for much of the Northland from 9 p.m. today to 10 a.m. Monday, for the possibility of more than a half-foot of snow in some areas.

The advisory includes areas north and west of Duluth, including the Iron Range, Grand Rapids, North Shore, International Falls and Brainerd.

Snowfall of 2 to 5 inches is expected, with up to 7 inches possible in some locations. Snowfall rates of an inch an hour are possible.

Rain is forecast to change to heavy, wet snow across the region tonight. While the ground is warm, the Weather Service said, "intense snowfall rates will likely win out, resulting in eventual snow accumulation."

Snowfall of 1 to 3 inches is forecast for the Twin Ports, with 2 to 4 inches along the South Shore of Lake Superior, where lake-enhanced snowfall is possible on Monday.

Check back to duluthnewstribune.com for weather updates later today.

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