Models Adjusted, New Warnings Issued as Round Two of Major Snowstorm Moves In

(KNSI) — Round two of this potentially historic winter storm will make its way across Minnesota Wednesday and Thursday, but we may see less snow than forecasters were thinking.

The National Weather Service says Wednesday morning will be so-so, but conditions will deteriorate as the day progresses. A heavier band of snow is expected to lift northward out of Iowa. That will contain the bulk of the heavy snow and hang around until early Thursday afternoon. Snowfall amounts have decreased slightly, but eight to 12 inches of additional accumulation is still expected on top of what has already fallen. Some areas could see an additional 15 inches, mostly areas south of St. Cloud. Peak wind gusts across central Minnesota are expected to be around 40 miles an hour, blowing all that new powder around.

The worst driving conditions will be late Wednesday and Thursday. People are asked to avoid travel unless it’s absolutely necessary. That allows snowplow drivers to get the roads cleared faster and frees up public safety personnel for other emergencies. If travel is unavoidable, have a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone, water, and extra warm clothing in the vehicle. Also, tell someone where you’re going, when you expect to get there, and your route. Check road conditions before you head out by clicking here.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Tuesday enacted a peacetime emergency and activated the National Guard to help wherever they were needed. “Minnesotans are no strangers to extreme weather, but this storm could break records. Our agencies are collaborating closely to make sure we’re prepared – and Minnesotans have a part to play, too. Plan ahead, drive safe, and limit travel,” said Governor Walz.

Eight hundred plows and 1,600 drivers were ready to roll Tuesday afternoon and have been going all night.

Benton and Morrison Counties are under a winter weather advisory until 6:00 p.m., and then a winter storm warning kicks in until noon Thursday.

Sherburne County is under a winter storm warning until noon Thursday.

Stearns County is under a winter storm warning until 9:00 Wednesday morning, and then a blizzard warning is in effect until noon Thursday. The blizzard warning was set to begin at 3:00 Wednesday afternoon, but the early morning model runs showed conditions worsening sooner than previously predicted. Kandiyohi and Meeker Counties are also in this upgraded warning.

Wright County is under a winter storm warning until noon Wednesday, then a blizzard warning is in effect until noon Thursday.

The City of Sauk Rapids and the City of Waite Park declared snow emergencies. The Sauk Rapids snow emergency goes from 12:01 a.m. February 22nd through 7:00 a.m. February 25th. Waite Park’s snow emergency begins at noon on February 22nd and goes through 7:00 a.m. February 25th.

St. Cloud has not declared one, but they are asking everyone to move their vehicles off the street as soon as possible to help plow drivers with more efficient snow removal.

See the latest weather-related announcements, including snow emergencies, by clicking here.

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