St. Cloud, MN – Central Minnesota is bracing for a messy midweek system that will bring rain changing to snow Tuesday, followed by gusty winds and hazardous travel, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Twin Cities/Chanhassen.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning for Douglas, Todd, Stevens, Pope, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Stearns, and Benton Counties, including cities such as St. Cloud, Alexandria, and Little Falls.
Forecasters say rain will transition to snow from west to east Tuesday, with accumulation rates up to 0.5 inches per hour possible during heavier bursts. Snow totals are expected to reach 2 to 4 inches, but strong winds gusting up to 40 mph could cause blowing snow and reduced visibility, especially in open areas.
The NWS warns the storm could create slippery roads and dangerous conditions during the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes, particularly along I-94 and Highway 10 corridors.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the agency advised. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.”
Residents are urged to monitor updates and allow extra travel time as conditions deteriorate late Tuesday.
