High Winds, Heavy Snow Create Blizzard Conditions In S. Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Although Saturday night's storm is behind us, more snow could be on the way before February is over.

Saturday's system brought heavy snow, mostly to the bottom half of the state. As of Sunday morning, Rochester had collected 10.8 inches of snow, while the Twin Cities saw 3.5 inches. At some points, snow fell at 1 to 2 inches per hour, making driving conditions difficult to navigate. Dozens of motorists have been stranded in southern Minnesota due to blowing and drifting snow, prompting rescue missions from the National Guard and State Patrol.

According to the National Weather Service, blizzard conditions are expected to continue into Sunday afternoon and evening, with winds gusting up to 30 to 40 mph.

By Monday morning, the wind should fall off, but temperatures will fall drastically. By the Monday morning commute, temperatures will be below zero, with "feels like" temperatures reaching minus 30 degrees in the Twin Cities metro.

Saturday's storm brought February 2019 up to the sixth snowiest month on record in Minnesota. As of Sunday morning, Minnesota had gathered 35.7 inches of snow. WCCO Meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says the snow isn't over yet, as we could see another system come through Tuesday, bringing several inches.

The good news, says Augustyniak, is that we'll be adding 3-plus minutes of sunlight to our days as we head into March and closer to spring.

In:
• Blizzard