Winter Storm Watch Issued for Central Minnesota

(KNSI) – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of central Minnesota, warning residents to prepare for heavy snow, high winds, and potentially dangerous travel conditions.

The Watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning.
A major winter storm is expected to move across the Upper Midwest Saturday into Sunday, bringing 6 to 14 inches of snow to the watch area. This includes Stearns, Wright, Kandiyohi, McLeod, and Meeker Counties, including the cities of St. Cloud, Willmar, Hutchinson, Litchfield, and Monticello.

Strong winds gusting up to 40 mph will combine with the heavy snowfall to create blizzard conditions and severely reduced visibility on Sunday.

Before the big storm arrives, a separate Winter Weather Advisory is in effect starting at 10:00 p.m. Thursday through 7:00 a.m. Friday. This advisory covers blowing and drifting snow with total accumulations up to an inch, but wind gusts could reach as high as 65 mph. Those conditions are expected to make Friday morning and evening commutes hazardous.

Forecasters are warning that travel this weekend could range from very difficult to outright impossible in affected areas. The combination of heavy snow and high winds is expected to create widespread blowing snow that significantly cuts down visibility. Power outages are also possible, as the strong winds could damage trees and power lines.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to watch for updates as the storm approaches and adjust plans accordingly.

For real-time road conditions, call 511 or visit 511mn.org.

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