Late Winter Snow Storm Set to Pummel Parts of Minnesota

(KNSI) — A major winter storm is bearing down on the region this weekend, and the National Weather Service is not mincing words about it.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued starting at 7:00 Saturday night through 7:00 Monday morning. Forecasters are warning of snowfall totals of one to two feet within the heaviest band of snow, with at least six inches expected across the broader area. For now, St. Cloud and the surrounding region sit near the northern edge of that heavy band. We are in line to see an estimated 10 to 16 inches of snow. Forecasters caution the exact placement of the heaviest band remains uncertain.

The storm is expected to intensify late Saturday night, with snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour possible during the peak.

Wind will compound the snowfall threat. Gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour are expected to develop Sunday morning and continue into Monday afternoon. Blizzard conditions are possible across open areas of the region on Sunday, and blowing and drifting snow will create difficult travel conditions into Monday’s morning commute.

Public safety officials are strongly urging people to avoid travel Saturday night through Sunday if at all possible.

Forecasters note that snowfall totals continue to trend upward and are urging the public to monitor the latest forecasts as the storm approaches.

___