WINONA, Minn. – High winds were predicted with a storm blowing in Wednesday evening from the Colorado Rockies. Gusts as ferocious as 65 mph were forecast overnight. Sustained winds, which are rare for the area, may put power lines and trees at risk – and also tall vehicles. Isolated tornados are a threat. The Storm Prediction Center said there is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms – Level 4 on a five-point scale — between 6 and 11 p.m.
Record warmth
The Winona area had a day of record highs. The forecast for Wednesday afternoon was 63 degrees. The previous record high for December 15 was 52 set in 1923. By 3 a.m. Thursday, as a severe storm passes through, temperatures are expected to plummet into the low 30s.