Winter Storm Warning was issued for the entire Twin Cities metro, 18-22 inches of snow possible.
The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING for the entire Twin Cities metro from Tuesday until Thursday for the impacts expected from a major winter storm. This storm is forecast to bring significant travel impacts across the Twin Cities region and a large portion of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Northern Illinois.
The latest forecast models bring at least a foot of snow to much of the Twin Cities by the time the storm ends and works out of the region on Thursday night. The worst conditions are expected to be from Wednesday evening through Thursday when we are forecast to see the heaviest snow, which will also combine with strong northeasterly winds that are forecast to gust between 30 to 40 mph. Across portions of western Minnesota, winds gusts could even near 50 mph. Blizzard-like conditions are possible with whiteout conditions and significant drifting snow within any open areas.
This winter storm is forecast to come in multiple rounds, which is something we have mentioned in previous stories, which you can find here. The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities has upgraded the Winter Storm Watch that was previously in place to a Winter Storm Warning for the Twin Cities Metro with high confidence that around 4 to 7 inches of snow will fall across the Metro from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning during the first round from this major winter storm.
After the first round of snow through Wednesday morning, there will be a brief decrease in the snow intensity through the remainder of the morning before the next round moves into the Twin Cities metro later that afternoon. Heavy snow will return during this second round of snow, with most areas forecast to see an additional foot of snow. Locally higher amounts could be possible across parts of the area.
Below is the full WINTER STORM WARNING issued for the Twin Cities Metro.
WINTER STORM WARNING
COUNTIES IMPACTED: Wright, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Le Sueur, Rice, Goodhue, Waseca, Steele
CITIES IMPACTED: Monticello, Minneapolis, St Paul, Stillwater, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Shakopee, Hastings, Le Sueur, Faribault, Red Wing, Waseca, and Owatonna
* WHAT...Heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 18 to 22 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, and southeast Minnesota.
* WHEN...From 3 PM Tuesday to 6 PM CST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.
