(UPDATE) Rochester Area Now Included in Blizzard Warning

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The latest forecasting models indicate the track of a major winter storm approaching Minnesota has shifted the heaviest snow band to the north of Rochester, but most of southeastern Minnesota is now included in a blizzard warning.

Rochester and southeastern Minnesota are still expecting major impacts from the storm, which is now forecast to deliver an icy mix of precipitation overnight and periods of heavy snow on Sunday. A winter storm warning will be in effect in the Rochester area from 7 PM tonight through 1 PM Monday and now the National Weather Service has added a blizzard warning from 10 AM on the Sunday through 7 AM on Monday.

Blizzard Warning

The blizzard warning, which earlier covered areas west of the I-35 corridor in southern Minnesota, is due to high winds that are predicted to accompany the backend of the storm as the low pressure center moves off to the east. Forecasters say northwest winds gusting as high as 50 mph could produce whiteout conditions.

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Overnight Ice Storm

According to the National Weather Service, southeastern Minnesota can expect light snow to develop tonight before warm air moves into the region. The precipitation is then predicted to change over to sleet and freezing rain, which could continue into Sunday morning and possibly early Sunday afternoon.  The latest forecast says two-tenths of an inch of ice could coat roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways.

Heavy Snow Sunday Afternoon

Eventually, the sleet and freezing rain, which could be heavy at times, are expected to transition back to snow Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service is currently predicting 5–9 inches of accumulation in the Rochester area by Monday morning, when strong northwest winds are expected to cause blowing snow that could continue into the early afternoon.

Heaviest Snow Band Just North of Rochester

Areas just south of Rochester are currently forecast to see 4–8 inches of accumulation, while more than a foot is possible just north of Rochester in parts of Wabasha and Goodhue counties. That heavy band of snow extends across most of central Minnesota, and the National Weather Service indicates a narrower band of snow that could produce close to 20 inches of accumulation, extending from near Willmar through the Twin Cities and into Wisconsin.

Reconsider Travel Plans

Forecasters say there is high confidence that travel conditions will be dangerous to impossible in many parts of Minnesota throughout the day Sunday.

Governor Tim Walz yesterday activated the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance during the coming storm. His office says the request for the activation came from Steele County to provide personnel, equipment, facilities, and resources that may be needed to respond to the severe weather event.