Minnesota Weather: Winter Storm Warning Issued

TWIN CITIES, MN — A winter storm warning is in effect for the Twin Cities and much of central Minnesota Saturday. Heavy snow with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour will spread into the area this afternoon or early evening.

Given the expected intensity, conditions will deteriorate rapidly. Snowfall totals of 5 to 7 inches are likely.

Northwest winds gusting to 30 mph late Saturday night will lead to areas of blowing snow. Travel could become very difficult Saturday night through early Sunday.

What to expect: Heavy snow. Plan on difficult travel conditions. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 7 inches. Significant reductions in visibility will occur.

Where: The Twin Cities, east central, south central and southeast Minnesota.

When: Saturday 3 p.m. through 6 a.m. Sunday

The weekend snowstorm follows an overnight dumping of more then 3 inches in the metro Thursday-Friday.

Check out the current weekend forecast:

Saturday: Snow, mainly after 3 p.m. Patchy freezing fog before 10 a.m. High near 31. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday night: Snow, mainly before 2 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 19. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 16. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

A winter storm watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Check back in with Patch for the latest forecast

Image via National Weather Service