Mankato, Minnesota – Snow will quickly coat highways across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin today, slowing travel on I-35, Highway 52 and other major corridors through 9 p.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for much of south-central and southeast Minnesota, including Carver, Scott, Dakota, Blue Earth, Rice and Goodhue counties, as well as Pierce and Pepin counties in western Wisconsin. Most areas will pick up 1 to 3 inches of snow, with bursts approaching 1 inch per hour at times, especially late morning into the afternoon.
Roads in Shakopee, Hastings, Red Wing, Faribault and Albert Lea will turn slick during heavier bands. Visibility could drop below one mile in open areas, particularly along Highway 169, Highway 60 and rural county roads. MnDOT and WisDOT both warn that bridges and overpasses may ice over first as temperatures remain below freezing.
Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance and check 511mn.org or 511wi.gov before heading out. Even short trips may take significantly longer during peak snowfall.
Snow will gradually taper this evening, but patchy slick spots could linger past sunset as untreated surfaces refreeze. Additional updates are possible if snowfall rates intensify during the afternoon commute.
