Community Corner

UPDATE: Winter Storm Watch Downgraded to Advisory

National Weather Service now predicts 'wintry mix' tonight, followed by up to six inches of snow by Monday morning.

 

Winter Storm Orko is expected to reach the Twin Cities region tonight, but areas south of the Minnesota River should be spared the brunt of that storm.

While a winter storm warning has been issued for the Twin Cities and points north, the National Weather Service has issued a less serious winter weather advisory for cities in the southern Metro area. The advisory, in effect from midnight Sunday through late Monday for Dakota, Rice and Scott counties, says two to six inches of snow could fall by Monday morning, with the amount of accumulation increasing from south to north.

A wintry mix of snow, freezing rain and sleet should start falling late tonight, transitioning to a mix of rain and snow during Sunday, then switching to heavy snow at some point Sunday afternoon. Strong winds on Sunday night will blow the snow around, creating hazardous travel conditions.

Because temperatures on Sunday will hover right around the freezing point, however, the Weather Service says “there is still uncertainty” about just how much snow may stick. What is certain right now: Monday morning’s commute is likely to be a sloppy mess.

 

Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Feb. 8:

Here we go again.

Monday morning’s commute could be a major mess, as the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Dakota County and the entire Twin Cities region, beginning early Sunday morning and continuing through Monday afternoon. Snow accumulations of up to 10 inches are possible. 

The precipitation should begin with a light, wintry mix Saturday night, turning to heavy snow by late Sunday. To top it all off, strong winds on the back end of the front will result in blowing, drifting snow on Sunday night and Monday morning.

The Twin Cities region isn’t getting hit nearly so hard as other areas of the country. A blizzard watch is in effect for western and central Minnesota, which could see more than a foot of snow, along with winds of up to 45 mph.

Meanwhile, the Northeast is preparing for a blizzard of historic proportions, with up to three feet of snow expected in areas around Boston. Airlines are already canceling flights to the region, and that’s having a ripple effect on schedules throughout the country. Travelers are advised to check airline websites before heading for the airport.

Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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