Rochester Area Preparing for Major Snowstorm

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The City of Rochester, Olmsted County, MnDOT and Xcel Energy are preparing for what’s being described as a historic snowstorm. 

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The National Weather Service is predicting several rounds of heavy snow for Rochester arriving Tuesday afternoon and leaving the area by Thursday afternoon. Tuesday morning’s forecast indicates the system could drop well over a foot of snow in Rochester. 

The City of Rochester is preparing to remove the heavy snow by enacting parking restrictions in the downtown area. Vehicles are prohibited from parking on downtown streets between midnight and 8 a.m. from February 22 through February 28. Vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed. 

Olmsted County officials are warning residents to anticipate difficult traveling conditions. They’re also reminding drivers to slow down and give snowplows room to operate. 

MnDOT officials are advising travelers to plan to avoid the winter storm. They warn expected snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour and 30-40 mph wind gusts could make roads in southeast Minnesota impassable Wednesday night through Thursday morning. 

Xcel Energy says they’re preparing additional crews to respond to potential power outages caused by the storm. Officials say hundreds of employees are ready to restore power in a timely, safe manner. The utility provider is also offering Minnesotans tips on what to do if they lose power during the storm.

A Winter Weather Advisory begins in Rochester at 3 p.m. Tuesday and a Winter Storm Warning starts at noon on Wednesday. Real-time road conditions and weather-related announcements are available in the KROC News App.