Blizzard Warning and New Snowfall Prediction Issued For Minnesota

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Winter Storm Watch issued for Minnesota Monday morning has now been upgraded to a Blizzard Warning. 

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A massive storm system packing significant moisture is predicted to make its way across southeast Minnesota on Tuesday. The forecast calls for heavy rain after 3pm that will switch over to snow by nightfall. 

Intense snowfall rates and strong winds are expected to pair together Tuesday night into Wednesday. 

The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rain and occasion rumbles of thunder for Tuesday afternoon. Ponding on roadways is possible before the snow switch-over. 

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Rain to Snow: Blizzard Warning Issued for Southern Minnesota

Forecasters predict the change to snow to happen Tuesday night. A heavy band of snow is expected to bring widespread accumulations of 3-6 inches to southeast Minnesota, northern Iowa and western Wisconsin. 

Rochester, Faribault, Mankato, Red Wing, Albert Lea, Austin and Winona are among the communities included in the Blizzard Warning.

Strong northerly winds, gusting as high as 50 mph, are predicted to pick up during the overnight snowfall, causing blowing and drifting snow and limited visibility.

Rural roads are expected to quickly deteriorate and become treacherous as the snow falls. Officials say travelers who become stranded could face life-threatening conditions. 

The latest forecast calls for 6-10 inches of snow in Rochester and Faribault by Wednesday afternoon. The Blizzard Warning begins at midnight and is scheduled to expire by 3 p.m. on Wednesday.