Ice storm

You just endured - survived - enjoyed the snowiest winter since accurate weather records were first started in Duluth back in 1885. Today will bring high winds, serious icing and a changeover back to snow, with heaviest accumulation north and west of the Twin Ports.

High winds and rain freezing on contact may coat trees and highways with an icy coating today, before a changeover to snow tonight and Friday that should push the Twin Ports to a new, all-time snowfall record for the winter.

We will experience almost every kind of weather over the next 36 hours: snow, glaze ice, sleet, thunder and lightning and winds gusting as high as 60 mph. After this wintry tantrum spring arrives, with the flick of a switch, next week with a streak of 50s.

Here is subtle sign of spring: this next storm won't be all-snow. Temperatures aloft will be warm enough for rain, freezing on contact with cold surfaces, especially Tuesday night. Glaze ice may trigger treacherous travel, followed by a few (plowable) inches of snow and high winds on Wednesday.

It's still early, but a combination of ice, snow, and high winds may result in treacherous travel conditions by the middle of next week, with blizzard or near-blizzard conditions a very real possibility.