Visibility, road travel issues reported during storm moving through east-central Minnesota
A major crash on I-94 in Monticello Thursday closed westbound traffic.[MnDOT Traffic Camera]
Decreased visibility and dangerous driving conditions are likely factors during a storm moving through parts of east-central Minnesota Thursday.
Meteorologist Jonathan Yuhas said the National Weather Service is issuing a new type of warning—a snow squall warning—to address the weather patterns expected Thursday.
Yuhas said the snow squall warning is in reference to a quick-hitting snowstorm that only a small amount of snow but significantly limits visibility and can cause traffic crashes.
The NWS reports the snow squall is likely to affect parts of central and east-central Minnesota, including Maple Grove, Ramsey, Champlin, St. Michael, Otsego, Rogers, Albertville, Corcoran, Dayton and Hanover.
The NWS advises delaying travel until the snow squall leaves the area.
"If you must travel, use extra caution and allow extra time," the NWS states in its alert.
The warning is in effect until about 11 a.m.
An earlier version of the weather forecast report appears below.
Thursday will be mostly cloudy with occasional snow showers that are expected to end later in the afternoon, according to KSTP Chief Meteorologist Ken Barlow.
The high for Thursday will be 35 degrees and the low will be 16 degrees with a clearing sky and cold weather Thursday night, Barlow said.
Sunshine is expected Friday, then increasing clouds later into the night with a high of 38 degrees and a low of 30 degrees.
Going into the weekend, Saturday is expected to be cloudy with a few showers. Saturday is also likely to have a high of 43 degrees and a low of 33 degrees.
Temperatures are expected to drop on Sunday, with the weather becoming windy and colder with early snow flurries. The high is expected to be 38 degrees with a low of 27 degrees.