Southern Minnesota Winter Storm Update
According to the National Weather Service, a blizzard warning is now in effect for south-central Minnesota, including the Mankato area, I-90 corridor and the Faribault, Redwing and Owatonna areas. A winter storm warning now covers the southeast Twin Cities metro area over to Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wis. A blizzard watch remains in effect from Redwood Fall to Glencoe, with a winter storm watch still in effect for most of the Twin Cities and the US 8 corridor in northwest Wisconsin.
Snowfall totals of 12-15 inches are expected along and southeast of a St. James, Minn., to Eau Claire, Wis., line, with a very tight gradient in snowfall totals expected northwest of this main band.
In addition, wind speeds are expected to between 25 and 35 mph, with gusts around 40 mph in south-central Minnesota. This will lead to significant blowing and drifting as well for south-central Minnesota, where the blizzard warning is in effect, including Washington, Scott, Dakota, Rice and Goodhue counties, with the cities of Faribault and Red Wing.
The National Weather Service-Chanhassen's winter storm warning for heavy snow and blowing snow is in effect from 6PM today to 6AM Saturday. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect.
- Heavy snow will quickly spread between 10PM and midnight tonight.
- 8-12 inches of snow are expected, with totals falling off quickly north of a New Prague to Cottage Grove to Holcombe, Wis., line.
- Winds are expected to be northeast to northwest at 20-30 mph, with gusts to 40 mph, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow.