(UPDATED) Rochester Area Included in Winter Storm Warning
Update: Rochester Now Included in Blizzard Warning, New Snowfall Prediction Issued
(UPDATED) - The National Weather Service has now included the Rochester area in a Winter Storm Warning. In southeastern Minnesota, the warning covers Olmsted, Houston, Winona, Fillmore, Mower, Dodge, Goodhue, and Wabasha Counties and will be in effect from noon on Sunday through 9 AM on Monday.
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - An approaching storm system could significantly impact travel conditions across eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin for the end of the Christmas holiday travel period.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch covering most of Wisconsin and portions of eastern Minnesota, including the Rochester area, the Twin Cities, and parts of east-central and northeastern Minnesota. In the Rochester area, the winter storm watch is in effect from 9 AM Sunday morning through noon on Monday. A dense fog advisory is also in effect through noon Sunday.
Blizzard Conditions and Flash Freeze Risk
The current forecast, as of noon Saturday, indicates the storm system could produce blizzard conditions in southeastern Minnesota. Snowfall totals through Monday morning could range from 3 to 7 inches, with winds gusting as high as 45 mph. The National Weather Service is also advising that rapidly falling temperatures on Sunday could result in flash freezing on wet roadways.
Heavier Snow Expected North of Rochester
At this point, heavier snow is predicted in areas north of Rochester. Forecasters say 4 to 8 inches of snow is possible in a band running from Faribault east to Wabasha, with even higher accumulations possible in the Twin Cities area.
Anyone with travel plans is advised to closely monitor weather forecasts and updates concerning the approaching storm system.
Two Minnesota Cities Now Among the Absolute Coldest in America
Gallery Credit: Samm Adams
