Mankato, Minnesota – A long-duration fall snow event is expected to spread into southern Minnesota Friday evening, bringing several inches of accumulation and hazardous travel from Redwood Falls to Albert Lea through Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen, a Winter Storm Watch includes Redwood, Brown, Nicollet, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Waseca, Steele, Martin, Faribault, and Freeborn counties from Friday evening through Saturday evening. Snow will arrive from the Dakotas after sunset Friday, becoming widespread overnight. Totals between five and eight inches are possible, with the heaviest corridor likely near Mankato, St. Peter, Waseca, and Owatonna.
According to forecasters, snowfall rates may increase quickly after midnight, coating roadways and reducing visibility. Travel impacts are likely Friday evening into early Saturday as temperatures fall below freezing. Blowing snow may become an issue on open stretches of US-169, US-14, and I-35, particularly south of Owatonna and west toward Fairmont.
According to emergency management officials, drivers should prepare for slow travel and consider adjusting return plans from holiday gatherings. Motorists are urged to keep emergency kits in vehicles, use winter tires, and allow extra braking distance. Crews expect to begin pretreating major routes Friday afternoon, but rapid accumulation overnight may outpace early plowing.
Residents should charge devices, secure outdoor items, and provide adequate shelter for pets as temperatures dip into the teens and low 20s. Shoveling in intervals is advised to prevent excessive buildup. Conditions may slowly improve late Saturday as snow intensity diminishes.
