How much snow will the midweek storm bring to Minnesota?

MINNEAPOLIS – A potentially severe snowstorm is heading toward Minnesota in the middle of the week, with plowable snow falling in parts of the state.

The system will move in from the northwest Wednesday night and move eastward through Thursday morning, then persist throughout the day before dissipating. A possible NEXT weather warning is in effect for Thursday.

“I think this will be the biggest snowfall we’ve had so far this winter and probably the most snow we’ve had in a system since last winter in March,” said WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames.

How much snow could fall in your area?

While snow levels could vary widely with the storm still more than a day away, WCCO’s NEXT Weather team looked at the potential storm tracks and offered some estimates.

The Twin Cities could see 1 to 4 inches of visibility Wednesday evening into Thursday evening. No snow was seen in southern Minnesota, only 2 inches at most. Central Minnesota, north of Interstate 94, is expected to see between 1 and 6 inches or more, the highest forecast total in the state as of Tuesday. Traces of up to 10 cm may be seen across much of northern Minnesota, but fewer are likely to be seen in far northern Minnesota.

Impact on traffic

With snow starting Wednesday night and continuing through Thursday, the morning commute could be difficult. Current forecasts show travel impacts in the Twin Cities will be moderate through 5 a.m. Thursday, tapering off to minor impacts by 9 a.m

There may still be minor disruptions on the subway until 5 p.m., when many people are on their way from work.

WCCO will keep an eye on the roads and issue a NEXT Drive Alert if conditions prove difficult.

Tuesday snowfall

There will be dust formation on Tuesday before snowmaking during the week. This system will reach far southwestern Minnesota by midday and into the metro commute by evening. Your drive home might be slow, but there won’t be major traffic jams in the Twin Cities. However, a winter weather advisory is in effect for southwest Minnesota until 9 p.m. and 2 to 3 inches could be visible on the ground.