St. Paul, MN – A fast-forming band of snow could impact parts of southern Minnesota overnight, creating slippery roads and potential travel delays for the Tuesday morning commute, according to a new alert from the National Weather Service (NWS).
According to the NWS Twin Cities office, rain will move into southern Minnesota Monday evening before transitioning to a rain-snow mix overnight. Forecasters say temperatures hovering near freezing could allow the precipitation to flip to all snow at times, with pockets of heavy snowfall developing quickly in a narrow corridor stretching from Canby and Redwood Falls to the southern Twin Cities metro and into western Wisconsin near Eau Claire.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight to 9 a.m. Tuesday for McLeod, Renville, Sibley, Carver, Dakota, Scott, Brown, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Rice, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. Cities within the advisory include Hutchinson, Shakopee, Le Sueur, Faribault, New Ulm, Hastings, Chanhassen, Granite Falls, and Redwood Falls.
Forecasters say up to 3 inches of snow may accumulate rapidly in localized areas, particularly during the early morning hours when travel is heaviest. The NWS warns that surface temperatures will be the deciding factor; a one-degree shift could dramatically change snowfall totals and where the heaviest band sets up.
Drivers should expect slick roads, reduced visibility, and slower travel across the affected counties. State officials urge residents to check 511mn.org for updated road conditions and to allow extra time for the morning commute.
More updates are expected overnight as the storm develops and confidence improves.
