Severe thunderstorms Tuesday evening; a blizzard through Thursday

A three-day spring storm on steroids revved up on Tuesday. Some thunderstorms became severe ahead of schedule in southeastern Minnesota early Tuesday afternoon. Dime-to quarter-sized hail and damaging winds were reported.

Tornado Watch for south central Minnesota

Strong and probably severe thunderstorms should blossom across southern Minnesota Tuesday evening.

A tornado watch has been issued for much of Iowa and south central Minnesota, including Mankato, Owatonna, Albert Lea and Fairmont, until 10 p.m. Tuesday..

Much of the Twin Cities area is in a slight risk (level 2 of 5) area.

While forecast models are keeping most of the severe weather south of the Twin Cities, strong storms are likely after about 7P. Some of those storms could quickly become severe. Large hail seems to be the greatest risk, but the atmosphere contains enough spin to form tornadoes as well. And damaging straight-line winds are also possible.

North Dakota blizzard

Meanwhile, wind-whipped snow is clobbering much of North Dakota. A blizzard warning was issued for all of North Dakota except the southeast corner earlier today and will continue until 7 p.m. on Thursday. Snowfalls of 12 to 24 inches, and up to 30 inches in places, in western and central North Dakota along with winds gusting to 50 mph will close down travel in most of that state. Blizzard warnings are rarely in effect for such long time periods.

Snow and drifting for Northwestern Minnesota

A winter storm warning is in effect for Kittson, Rosseau, Marshall and Polk Counties in the northwestern corner of Minnesota until Thursday evening. Snowfalls of 5 to 14 inches are likely with winds gusting to 40 mph. The winter storm area is surrounded be a winter weather advisory for lesser amounts of snow.

Rain is likely in northeastern Minnesota on Wednesday. The Twin Cities might see a few showers, but much of the day could be dry.

Forecast high temperatures around the state should be just from the upper 30s to upper 40s.

Very windy Thursday

Cold air wrapping around the back side of the storm will gust over 40 mph on Thursday with areas of snow mainly in the north. The Twin Cities might even pick up a little snow with a high likely in the upper 30s.

Chilly Friday through Easter Sunday

Friday will be breezy and cold. The Twin Cities should have a high temperature only in the upper 30s.

Saturday will remain cool but less breezy. The Twin Cities might fail to reach 40 degrees yet again.

Easter Sunday might allow the metro area to celebrate highs in the low 40s, but with the chance of some rain and snow.

Maybe Canada will eventually run out of cold air.