High Wind Warning Ahead of Weekend Winter Storm in SE Minnesota

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - With southeastern Minnesota bracing for a major winter storm this weekend, utility crews throughout the region are busy today preparing for a windstorm.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the Rochester area from midnight tonight through 10 AM tomorrow. The warning also covers the southern three-quarters of Minnesota, more than half of Iowa, and the southern third of Wisconsin.

ALSO SEE: Latest Predictions Show Rochester Could Get Over 2 Feet of Snow this Weekend

Forecasters are predicting west to northwest winds will increase to between 30 and 40 mph late tonight, and some areas could experience gusts as high as 65 mph. In the Rochester area, the strongest winds are predicted to hit during the overnight hours, starting around 2 AM.

Utility Crews Prepared

Rochester Public Utilities issued a statement Thursday afternoon indicating that its crews are prepared to respond to power outages if they occur during the windstorm and the forecast winter storm this weekend. Xcel Energy issued a similar statement for its customers throughout southeastern Minnesota.

RPU also reminded the public to use extreme caution around downed power lines.

• Never approach or touch a downed power line or cable.
• Stay at least 50 feet away from any downed line and report it to RPU at 507-280-1500 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or 507-280-9191 after hours.
• A downed line may still be energized even if it is not sparking or arcing.
• Electricity can travel through trees or branches that are touching a downed line.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside the vehicle, keep others away, and call 911 immediately.

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A Foot or More of Snow Possible This Weekend

A winter storm watch has also been posted for southeastern Minnesota from 7 PM Saturday through 1 PM Monday. The National Weather Service says heavy snow is expected to develop, and there is a good chance the region could see a foot or more of accumulation from the storm system.

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