Winter Storm Warning Issued for Central Minnesota: Heavy Snow, Blizzard Conditions Expected

(KNSI) — The winter storm watch has been upgraded to a winter storm warning as the National Weather Service says a storm system barreling toward central Minnesota is set to bring heavy snow and potentially blizzard conditions starting this afternoon and continuing through Wednesday morning.

The winter storm warning for Benton and Stearns Counties starts at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday and remains in effect until 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. Rain will gradually change over to snow from west to east as colder air moves in this afternoon and tonight. Snow is expected to fall heavily at times, with rates reaching about an inch per hour. Central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin will see the most snow, with around 4″ to 6″ expected. Southern Minnesota and parts of west central Wisconsin should see lighter amounts of 1″ to 3″. Northwest winds will be gusting up to 45 miles an hour.

Forecasters say the combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds could create dangerous travel conditions, with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less at times. The worst conditions are expected during the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.

The winter storm warning has been expanded to cover most of southern Minnesota, even where lower snow totals are expected, because of the threat of strong winds and near-blizzard conditions. A winter weather advisory is in effect for far southern Minnesota and parts of west central Wisconsin.

The storm’s timing could not be worse as people travel for their Thanksgiving Day celebrations. The National Weather Service says anyone who can should delay travel until conditions improve. Those who must drive should use extreme caution, allow extra time and distance between vehicles, and avoid sudden braking or turning. Drivers should also carry an emergency kit in their car, tell someone when they’re leaving, the route they’re taking and when they expect to arrive at their destination.

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