Blizzard Warning Expands Into Southeastern Minnesota
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The National Weather Service has expanded a blizzard warning into portions of southeastern Minnesota.
Goodhue and Steele counties are now included in a blizzard warning that covers most of the southern half of Minnesota and a section of western Wisconsin. The National Weather Service says the blizzard warning will be in effect from 11 PM tonight through 7 AM tomorrow because of the possibility of heavy snow and wind gusts above 45 mph. Forecasters say the snowfall totals in the areas included in the blizzard warning could be in the 6-10 inch range.
A small portion of southeastern Minnesota is currently under a winter storm warning from 10 PM until 7 AM tomorrow. It covers Olmsted, Dodge, Freeborn, Winona, and Wabasha counties. At this time, the National Weather Service is saying the Rochester area could see 2-4 inches of slushy snow accumulation overnight accompanied by winds gusting to around 45 mph.
Forecasters warn travel conditions will likely deteriorate very quickly late tonight as colder air is pulled into the region. Even though the Rochester area is currently not included in the blizzard warning, there is the potential for blizzard-like conditions late tonight and into early Saturday.
The forecast calling for winter-like conditions on the first day of April can be blamed on a strong low-pressure center that is expected to produce severe thunderstorms and possibly tornadoes in Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin. The eastern half of Iowa is under a tornado watch and there have already been reports of severe thunderstorms in north central Iowa this afternoon.
