Rain moves into Twin Cities metro, above-freezing temps keep roads OK
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5 p.m. UPDATE: 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS meteorologists continue to track precipitation moving across the area Tuesday.
The good news is temperatures are staying slightly above freezing, keeping road conditions in OK shape.
Meteorologist Matt Serwe says snow will likely start mixing in with the rain after midnight but will move out again in the early morning hours Wednesday.
The next round of moisture moves in late Wednesday and could lead to difficult travel conditions Thursday morning, Serwe says.
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UPDATE 11:45 a.m. 12/13/22: 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS meteorologists are tracking precipitation as it moves into the metro midday Tuesday.
Meteorologist Matt Serwe says there is still a chance of snow or mixed precipitation for the rest of the day.
Meteorologist Jonathan Yuhas says above-freezing temperatures will keep roads wet, but roads could turn slick in areas as temperatures drop into the evening.
Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) said the southeast portion of the state should expect strong winds, and drivers – especially those of high-profile vehicles – should be careful, adding the windy conditions may cause some vehicles to drift out of their lanes. The windy conditions are expected to weaken during the overnight hours from Tuesday into Wednesday.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, slush and snow accumulations were starting to build up in western Minnesota as of 12:20 p.m. Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the South Dakota Department of Transportation said Tuesday I-90 would be closed in both directions from Chamberlain to Rapid City starting at 10 a.m. CT due to the weather conditions. The agency added it would be tracking the storm and anticipated closing the same roadway from Rapid City to the Wyoming border and from Mitchell to Chamberlain.
Credit: MGN
Stay with Minnesota’s Weather Authority for the latest weather updates. Find more information below in an earlier version of this story.
INITIAL REPORT 6:45 a.m. 12/13/22: The Twin Cities metro is under a Winter Weather Advisory until 3 a.m. Wednesday, and metro residents are expected to get their first taste of the incoming winter storm around midday Tuesday.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS meteorologists continue to track the movement of the storm, which will bring a mix of snow, sleet and rain Tuesday that may leave roads with slick spots. Chief meteorologist Ken Barlow adds people should expect high winds and up to an inch of slush throughout the day.
Further north, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect, and areas starting at Alexandria to St. Cloud will likely get multiple inches of snow. A full list of watches, warnings and advisories can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Snowy conditions are expected to dip down into southern Minnesota at some point Wednesday. Stay with Minnesota’s Weather Authority online and on air for the latest weather updates.
Temperatures will hang in the 30s for the next two days. CLICK HERE for current conditions and HERE for an interactive radar.
Schools are deciding whether to stay fully open, modify their school day or close due to weather concerns. CLICK HERE for a list of school alerts.
Cities may issue snow emergencies as the storm develops. Monitor kstp.com for a list of parking instructions in the event that cities start deploying snowplows.
Additionally, traffic reporter Hanna Conway is watching road conditions to help people commute safely. CLICK HERE for a map of real-time traffic conditions.
RELATED: MnDOT prepares for winter weather this week
CLICK HERE for more from your trusted meteorologists at Minnesota’s Weather Authority.
On Twitter, follow @kbarlowkstp, @serwewx, @wrenclair5, @jyuhaskstp and @chrisreecewx for weather graphics and storm updates. Follow @hannaconwaytv and @kstptraffic for traffic news.