NEXT Weather Alert: Several inches of snow expected in Minnesota Wednesday into Thursday

What's Certain

• Enough snow to shovel for some
• Moisture focused from I-94 south
• Accumulations will be slushy, not fluffy

What's Uncertain

• Where a narrow band of heavy snow sets up
• How much melting and mixing (if any)
• Road conditions (warmth vs. treatment)

MINNEAPOLIS — A NEXT Weather Alert has been issued for Wednesday evening due to the potential for several inches of snow as well as slippery roads. The alert is for the southern half of the state, as well as western Wisconsin. 

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For much of southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, a winter weather advisory is in effect from 3 p.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday. But to the west, from Hutchinson to Mankato, the alert begins earlier at noon. 

Snow chances increase significantly in the latter half of the afternoon.

"By the time we probably get to the evening commute, expect there to be some precipitation, might be in the form of a little bit of rain, transitioning over to some snowfall," meteorologist Joseph Dames said. "That means things could get a little slick. If not slick on the roads, the visibility may come down a bit, which could make driving a little more tough."

The metro can expect 2 to 4 inches, with the potential for 4 inches in some areas south. Snow is expected to stop around midnight around the metro.

Road conditions are the main concern as snow is starting to accumulate on some roadways and visibility is reduced.

From 12-9 p.m., the Minnesota State Patrol reported 125 total crashes, 74 spinouts and one jackknifed semi statewide.

The snow chances increase for central and southern Minnesota. There's a narrow swath of snow with lower totals near the metro and higher totals a county or two south. There will be heavier bands embedded in this snowstorm.

This storm has lifted north just slightly, and some south of I-90 may just get rain. That being said, northern cities like Bemidji and Grand Rapids will most likely not see any snow.

Everything should clear out by Thursday, with temperatures remaining in the 30s. Slick spots are expected to stick around, however, and WCCO may issue a NEXT Drive Alert depending on the conditions. 

Friday will be an even colder day with highs in the lower 20s. Light snow could fall in southern Minnesota. 

The weekend will start to gradually warm up, with temps in the 40s early next week.