Willmar, Minnesota – Drivers across southern Minnesota have a narrow window this morning before snowfall rates near 1 inch per hour quickly coat highways along the Minnesota River Valley, creating slick roads and reduced visibility through the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 5 p.m. Saturday for 13 counties, including Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Brown, Nicollet and Redwood. Most areas will see 2 to 4 inches of accumulation, but a concentrated band could drop up to 6 inches somewhere within the advisory zone before snow tapers from west to east late today.
Roads in Willmar, Hutchinson, New Ulm and Redwood Falls will turn snow-covered quickly during heavier bursts. Visibility may dip below one mile at times, especially on open stretches of U.S. Highway 212, Highway 23 and rural county roads. MnDOT warns that untreated bridges and overpasses will freeze first.
Motorists should slow down, leave extra stopping distance and check 511mn.org before heading out. Even short commutes could take twice as long during peak snowfall.
Snow will gradually diminish by early evening, but slick conditions may linger past sunset as temperatures hold below freezing. Additional advisories could be issued if the heavier band stalls longer than expected.
