Storm Update: Snow expanding

It's on.

Our 7th winter storm in 6 weeks is spreading an expanding shield of snow and some patchy freezing drizzle north and east through Minnesota.

Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are flying today for Minnesota & western Wisconsin.

Here are the latest details on our next shot of wintery weather.

Timing:

Snow continues to expand north and east as the system pushes moisture into Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Snow is already falling in southwest Minnesota and pushing northeast. Snowfall should increase in the metro as we move through midday into early PM.

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Snowfall should be heaviest during the afternoon and evening hours, tapering off gradually around midnight in many areas. PM rush should be snow covered and slippery in much of Minnesota including the metro.

Snowfall Totals: Overnight and early morning model runs still cluster snowfall around 5" to 6" for much of the metro, with the band of heaviest snow setting up just north of the I-94 corridor from Alex-St. Cloud-Eau Claire. 4" to 8" looks like a good range for metro snowfall, with a few 8"+ totals to the north, and lesser amounts (of 3" to 6") in southern Minnesota.

Modles like a 5" to 7" snowfall range for metro.

PM Rush & Vikings Game:

The peak snowfall intensity should come between 2pm and 9pm over all, with snowfall rates approaching 1" per hour between 4pm and 8pm. This will mean PM rush hour and getting to the Vikings (and Wild!) games tonight will be a challenge. I expect to see some good snowy visuals at kickoff at "The Bank"...with snow falling and several inches on the ground by kickoff time.

Bottom Line:

Expect another shot of snow and increasing wintery weather again today and tonight. Prepare accordingly!

PH