"A winter storm is forecast to bring widespread accumulating snow to the region Wednesday night through Thursday. A band of 4-7 inches of snow is expected to fall from western Minnesota to central Minnesota into west-central Wisconsin,"warns the National Weather Service.

Cities Affected by the Warning

The Winter Storm Warning includes:

  • St. Cloud, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Elk River, Chanhassen, Hastings, Cambridge, Shakopee, Mora, and Alexandria.

Residents in these areas should be prepared for significant snowfall and reduced visibility.

Winter storm warning for Twin Cities: 7 inches of snow possible
Winter storm warning for Twin Cities: 7 inches of snow possible

Expected Conditions

Snow Accumulation: Heavy snow is forecasted, with total accumulations between 5 and 7 inches in many areas.

Wind Gusts: Winds may gust as high as 35 mph, potentially leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Hazardous Travel: Road conditions are expected to be treacherous, especially during the Thursday morning and evening commutes.

In areas just south of the Interstate 94 corridor, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued. These areas could see 3 to 5 inches of snow.

Storm Details and Timing

This storm is classified as an Alberta Clipper, a fast-moving system traveling from northwest to southeast across Minnesota. Snowfall is expected to:

  • Begin in the Red River Valley and northwestern Minnesota late Wednesday night.
  • Spread eastward, reaching the Twin Cities between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Thursday.

The heaviest snowfall will likely occur in a band stretching from the Twin Cities northward. Areas south of the Twin Cities may experience a dry slot, resulting in lower snow totals. Forecast confidence for northern areas is high, while southern areas may see varying amounts depending on the storm's exact track.

Temperature and Snow Melt

Temperatures in St. Cloud and surrounding areas are forecasted to rise into the low to mid-30s (°F) between December 23 and December 30. This may cause some of the snow to melt in the days following the storm.

Snowfall Totals for the Season

Winter Storm Warning in Effect for Much of Minnesota: 7 inches of snow possible
Snowfall projection Thursday for Minnesota

So far, St. Cloud has received 5.9 inches of snow this season, which is 7.3 inches below the normal total of 13.2 inches by this time of year. The upcoming storm will significantly add to this total.

Safety and Travel Tips

The NWS urges caution for anyone traveling during the storm:

Plan Ahead: Monitor road conditions on 511mn.org.

Emergency Preparation: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, food, water, and blankets.

Avoid Travel: If possible, stay off the roads during periods of heavy snow.

Snowfall Forecast Models

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a widespread 3 to 7 inches of snow across central and northern Minnesota. However, a sharp cutoff in snowfall totals is expected near or just south of the Twin Cities.

Looking Ahead

Another potential snow system could develop in the days following this storm. Keep an eye on local forecasts for updates as weather patterns continue to evolve.

For the latest updates and live radar tracking, visit NOAA.gov or your local news station.