MAJOR WINTER STORM EXPECTED SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY MORNING WITH

HEAVY SNOW LIKELY…

.A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for all of central and

southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin from Saturday through

Sunday morning.

Heavy snow will develop over the Plains and advance into southern

and western Minnesota early Saturday morning, before reaching

eastern Minnesota by late morning, and western Wisconsin by early

afternoon. Snow rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are expected

through early evening before easing Saturday night. Some rain or

freezing rain could mix with the snow at times along Interstate 90

Saturday. The snow is expected to end by mid morning Sunday.

Total snow accumulations of 7 to 13 inches are possible across the

entire region, with the highest amounts currently expected across

central Minnesota, including western parts of the Twin Cities

metro.

Strong northwest winds will develop Saturday night and Sunday

morning with gusts of 40 to 45 mph possible. This will lead to

areas of blowing and drifting snow, but widespread blizzard

conditions are not currently expected.