Winter storm warning issued for Friday, evening commute expected to be difficult

Rebecca Omastiak

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Wet and heavy snow is expected to fall on parts of the state Friday.

Meteorologist Jonathan Yuhas reports snowfall is expected after 9 a.m. Friday in the Twin Cities, with temperatures expected to be in the low 30s.

Yuhas said snowfall accumulation is expected to range from 3-4 inches in the metro, to 4 inches in the north metro, to 5-6 inches in the south metro, with 10 inches of snow accumulation possible in Mankato and 12 inches of accumulation possible in Rochester.

Additionally, Yuhas said roads are expected to be slushy and icy Friday.

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The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning and a winter weather advisory primarily for Friday afternoon into late Friday night. The NWS adds that travel is expected to be difficult, particularly during the evening commute.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reported Thursday it is preparing for the upcoming snowfall.

In south-central Minnesota, there will be 83 snowplows to tackle the roads in MnDOT’s 13-county District 7. MnDOT added an average route for plow drivers in south-central and southwest Minnesota is 44 miles.

Still, MnDOT is asking drivers to adjust or postpone travel plans Friday afternoon and evening, if possible.

For those who must travel during the snowfall, MnDOT officials are asking drivers to watch out for snowplows and keep a distance of at least 10 car lengths if driving behind a plow.

Additionally, MnDOT officials advise drivers to slow down, turn on headlights, wear their seatbelts and refrain from using cruise control.

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Find KSTP’s complete winter weather guide here.