Dangerous Winter Conditions Prompt New Warning for MN Drivers

First it was the snow, and now dangerously cold conditions are headed to Minnesota, which has prompted a new warning for drivers in the Rochester area and across the state.

After two wimpy winters in a row, with very little snow to speak of and only a day or two of sub-zero temperatures, Old Man Winter seems to be back with a vengeance in Minnesota so far this year.

Arctic Blast Brings Coldest Temperatures of the Season to Minnesota

Much of the state has already seen several snowstorms this year, along with several bouts of sub-zero weather. And now some powerful Arctic air is taking aim at many parts of Minnesota this weekend, setting up what's likely to be the coldest weather of the winter so far.

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It's predicted to be sooo cold, mind you, that the National Weather Service (NWS) Office in La Crosse has already issued an Extreme Cold Warning, which will go into effect on Thursday evening, January 22nd, and run through noon on Friday, January 23rd. Then, an Extreme Cold Watch will go into effect from noon Friday, January 23rd, through noon on Saturday, January 24th.

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The NWS goes on to say that this Arctic blast will see actual air temperatures hit  20 below zero Thursday night with wind chill values nearing 40 below zero. Friday's high temperature will only reach around 9 below zero, with lows overnight Friday back to nearly 20 degrees below zero once again.

Extreme Cold Warning Issued for Rochester and Southern Minnesota

Those extreme cold temperatures are nothing to mess around with, as the NWS reports that 'those dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes,' the NWS Extreme Cold Warning noted.

And now, AAA Minnesota has just issued a warning to Minnesota drivers to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their property. AAA said that during the upcoming cold snap, their offices will likely see a rise in roadside assistance calls, especially for dead car batteries.

AAA Warns Minnesota Drivers About Dead Batteries in Bitter Cold

Cold weather dramatically reduces a battery’s ability to hold a charge. During past winter deep freezes, AAA said in a release, their offices have seen battery‑related calls jump significantly, often becoming the number‑one reason members need roadside assistance, the release said.

AAA offered the following tips to make sure YOUR car battery can withstand the dangerously cold winter weather coming our way this weekend in Minnesota:

• Have your battery tested if it’s more than three years old.
• Park in a garage or sheltered area to reduce exposure to freezing temperatures.
• Turn off lights, seat warmers, and accessories before shutting off the engine.
• Listen for slow cranking. This is a key warning sign that your battery is failing.