How High Will Wind Gusts Be In Lakeville Wednesday?

LAKEVILLE, MN — The National Weather Service has issued several statements about the weather expected in Lakeville on Wednesday. Wednesday evening's forecast includes an outbreak of thunderstorms that is historic and "unprecedented" in Minnesota in December, NWS said.

There is also a high wind warning in place from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday.

The high winds are expected to coincide with the thunderstorms and gusts of up to 80 mph in some areas, as well as tornadoes, are possible.

Here is the special weather statement from NWS:

"An unprecedented outbreak of severe thunderstorms for this time of year is likely early this evening. The line of thunderstorms will race northeast across southern and eastern Minnesota into Wisconsin between 5 PM and 9 PM. Widespread wind damage from gusts possibly exceeding 80 mph will accompany the storms. Tornadoes are also possible. The highest risk of severe thunderstorms is southeast of a line from Redwood Falls to Rush City.

Storms will be moving between 60 and 70 mph! Conditions will deteriorate very quickly. Unless preparations are made ahead of time, it may be hard to take adequate shelter when one notices storms beginning to approach. These are expected to be high end damaging wind producers, so pay close attention to warnings issued later today."

Here is a tentative guide to Wednesday's weather:

Wednesday: Thunderstorms are possible after 5 p.m. Some storms could be severe with damaging winds. Mostly cloudy with a high of 61 degrees. Gusts could be as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday night: There will be snow showers, rain showers and freezing rain before 3 a.m., which will then shift to snow and freezing drizzle between 3-4 a.m. The low will be around 24 degrees. South southeast winds will be 15-25 mph before switching to west 25 to 35 mph after midnight. Winds could gust up to 60 mph. There is a 100 percent chance of precipitation with little snow and ice accumulation expected.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy before gradually becoming sunny with a high of 26 degrees and 20-25 mph winds turning to 10-15 mph in the afternoon.