Winter Storm Could Hit SE Minnesota in Two Waves

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Update: Travel Could Get Dangerous as Winter Storm Arrives in Southeast Minnesota

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The winter storm bearing down on southern Minnesota is now expected to arrive just before the morning commute begins on Friday and hit the southeastern corner of the state in two waves.

A winter storm warning remains in effect from midnight Friday through 9 AM on Saturday with forecasters predicting snowfall totals ranging from a half foot to well over a foot across the region by the time the snow ends on Saturday. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service predicts 7-12 inches of new snow in the Rochester area, while areas of Winona, Fillmore, and Houston County could see as much as 14-15 inches of accumulation.

SEE ALSO: Weather-Related Closings & Delays

The heaviest snow from the storm system is forecast to fall in southwestern Wisconsin. The National Weather Service says an area running from Wisconsin Dells to Madison could see up to 18 inches of new snow.

While the winter storm warning goes into effect at midnight, the National Weather Service is now predicting the snow won't arrive in the Rochester area until 5 to 7 AM. It's also possible that there could be a lull in the storm in the early afternoon hours tomorrow before a second wave of heavy snow impacts southeastern Minnesota late Friday afternoon and Friday night.

Forecasters are indicating the snow will likely be accompanied by north winds with gusts as high as 30 mph, which will likely result in blowing snow throughout the region, particularly Friday night and Saturday morning. The strong winds will likely continue after the snow ends and produce dangerously cold wind chill readings into next week as Arctic air invades southern Minnesota.

Subzero cold is forecast Sunday morning and the high temperatures from Sunday through Tuesday may not even reach zero. Forecasters say the morning lows on Monday and Tuesday could be in the double digits below zero.

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Weather-Related Closings & Delays - SE Minnesota