UPDATED: 1-27-19 6:07 PM
BRIEFING: I think we have had our break of the real “winter” for a little bit longer than usual this year, but that’s about to change for Sunday. Accumulating snow is coming between Sunday afternoon through mid-day on Monday. These totals will be anywhere from 4” to 9”, with heavier amounts in localized areas. The bulk of the snow is expected along and south of I-94. The snow may stop on Monday, but the winds will be picking up that fresh snow cover and turning that into blowing snow, creating dangerous driving conditions.
TOTALS: These totals are estimations as of early Saturday morning. Areas Saint Cloud and north will only see anywhere from 1” – 6”, whereas areas south of Saint Cloud will see the 4” – 10”. Twin Cities specific is in the 9” – 12” zone, areas south such as Rochester could see anywhere from 8” – 12” of snow with some areas seeing higher. The map below is the expected total map from the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.
IMPACTS: The impacts of the storm will consist of difficult travel, especially with the patchy blowing snow, decreased visibility, and frigid wind chill values. Frostbite could occur on exposed skin in as little as a half-hour as wind chill values will be as low as -20°.
TIMING: The timing for this storm is Sunday late afternoon through Monday afternoon, with the effects of the storm lasting past that, including the cold air, which will last for the entire week.
DRIVING CONCERNS: If you must venture out during this storm, remember that snowplows may not be plowing during the storm, as they may wait until the bulk of the snow is over. Headlights MUST be on, keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded, and dress in layers.
