Major Winter Storm Set to Bring Over a Foot of Snow to Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Forecasters have released new details regarding the major winter storm set to arrive in Rochester Tuesday. 

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The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory that starts at 3pm Tuesday. Forecasters predict 3-5 inches of snow in southeast Minnesota through Tuesday night. 

Higher snowfall totals ranging from 5-7 inches are predicted for communities north of Rochester. Meteorologists are predicting a brief pause in the snowfall Wednesday morning, but warn of strong wind gusts that could cause Tuesday night’s snowfall to blow and drift. 

A Winter Storm warning then begins at noon on Wednesday in Rochester and surrounding communities. The forecast indicates Rochester has an 84% to receive at least a foot of snow Wednesday through Thursday. 

Officials are also predicting 30-40 mph wind gusts that are capable of producing blowing and drifting snow. Communities in northern Iowa are on track to get a freezing rain that could produce a glaze of ice capable of causing power outages in northern Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. 

Officials say the two-part winter storm will severely impact travel on Wednesday. The Winter Storm Warning is scheduled to expire at 6 p.m. Thursday. 

The warning advises anyone who has to travel during the Winter Storm Warning to keep a flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle. Real-time road conditions and the latest in closings and delays are available in the KROC News App.