“Hazardous” Conditions Threaten Thanksgiving Travel in Minnesota
New Winter Storm Forecast Calls for Hazardous Travel in Minnesota
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- One of the busiest travel days of the year could be hampered by hazardous winter weather conditions in Minnesota.
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That’s according to the latest prediction issued by the National Weather Service.
The season’s first major winter storm is expected to arrive on Tuesday and be accompanied by strong winds.
Winter Storm Warning in Minnesota Expanded to Include All of Twin Cities Area
Overnight, the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities increased predicted snowfall totals from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
The new prediction has resulted in an expansion of counties that will be under a Winter Storm Warning. All counties in the Twin Cities area are now included in the Winter Storm Warning.
Officials advise anyone who plans to travel north of the Twin Cities for Thanksgiving to either leave Tuesday morning or wait until Wednesday afternoon.
Officials say rain is expected to transition to snow Tuesday afternoon. Higher snow totals are possible if the transition happens earlier Tuesday, while lower snow totals are expected if the transition occurs later in the day on Tuesday.
Travel Tuesday night into Wednesday morning in the Winter Storm Warning area, which includes Dakota, Steele and Rice Counties, is expected to become “hazardous to impossible,” due to snow and 40-45 mph winds the National Weather Service says.
The National Weather Service also swapped out a Wind Advisory to a Winter Weather Advisory in Goodhue County. Olmsted, Wabasha, Dodge, Fillmore and Winona Counties have also been added to the Winter Weather Advisory.
National Weather Service Increases Minnesota's Predicted Snowfall Totals Tuesday into Wednesday
Tuesday morning’s forecast calls 6-8 inches of snow across most of central Minnesota, with 8-12 inches possible further north and east.
The Twin Cities and Faribault areas are now predicted to get 4-6 inches of snow.
Rochester is predicted to get 2-3 inches of snow, 3-4 inches are predicted in Red Wing and Albert Lea and 1-2 inches of snow are possible in La Crosse.
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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross
