Friday Morning Storm Update: Travel Could Get Dangerous in Minnesota As Winter Storm Arrives

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The National Weather Service says travel could become dangerous Friday as the first major winter storm of 2024 arrives in southeast Minnesota. 

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The snowfall in Rochester began around 5 a.m. Friday. The National Weather Service updated its snow accumulation predictions for Rochester and other communities in southeast Minnesota Friday morning. 

The updated forecast calls for 7-11 inches of snow in Rochester by Saturday morning. Winona’s predicted snowfall ranges from 9-14 inches, 8-12 inches of snow are predicted to fall in Wabasha, Preston could see between 7 and 14 inches of snow while 4-7 inches of snow is predicted in Austin. 

Forecasters say snowfall rates could be as high as one inch per hour Friday. The National Weather Service expects travel conditions to deteriorate throughout Friday morning. 

The heavy snowfall is predicted to be accompanied by 30-40 mph wind gusts capable of causing blowing and drifting snow and localized whiteout conditions. The worst of the impacts brought on by the storm are predicted to last until Friday night, according to Friday morning’s forecast. 

Officials are encouraging residents of southeast Minnesota to delay travel Friday and warn that power outages are possible. Anyone traveling Friday morning is asked to reduce speeds, increase following distance and allow for extra travel time. 

The majority of school districts in Rochester and the surrounding communities have canceled class Friday. A full list of weather-related announcements is available by clicking here. 

Real-time road conditions are available in the KROC News App. 

The Winter Storm Warning issued for Rochester and southeast Minnesota remains in place until 9 a.m. Saturday.

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