Gov. Walz Declares Peacetime Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm

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(St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Governor Tim Walz has declared a Peacetime Emergency in response to what forecasters say could be a record-setting snowstorm.

The declaration authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to begin preparations in case citizen soldiers are needed to assist stranded motorists or for other missions associated with the severe winter weather conditions that are expected over the next couple of days. That includes pre-positioning equipment and alerting members of the National Guard units that might be called on to provide help.

The governor has also directed various state agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to take steps to prepare for the approaching storm system. Some forecasting models indicate parts of Minnesota could see snowfall totals that might rival those reported during the great Halloween Blizzard of 1991 when nearly 30 inches of snow fell on the Twin Cities.

Southeastern Minnesota is under a winter weather advisory until 6 AM tomorrow and starting at noon tomorrow, a winter storm warning will be in effect through 6 PM on Thursday. The latest National Weather Service Forecast predicts 3-5 inches of snow in the Rochester area by tomorrow morning and potentially over a foot of accumulation Wednesday night and into Thursday.