WINTER STORM WARNING: Heavy snow moving across the state, multiple accidents reported

Rebecca Omastiak

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Minnesotans across the state are starting to see snowfall Tuesday.

A winter storm warning is now in effect until 10 p.m. for the following counties in Minnesota: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington and Wright, as well as Pierce and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin. You can track the latest weather advisories here.

Westbound Interstate 94 was closed shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday due to multiple crashes and spinouts west of Sauk Centre, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said.

By 11:30 a.m., there were reports of accumulation in parts of southwestern Minnesota.

The National Weather Service (NWS) updated a winter weather advisory, stating the snow is expected to move from west to east across the state Tuesday and that snowfall rates between 1 and 2 inches per hour were expected through much of the afternoon.

The view from the Granite Falls Public Library patio Tuesday.[courtesy of Samantha Griess]

Snowfall totals between 3 and 6 inches were expected throughout much of the state.

Locally, higher snowfall amounts are possible, particularly along and just south of the Interstate 94 corridor, the NWS reports.

According to Meteorologist Sam Ryan, the heaviest snow is expected between noon and 5 p.m. Tuesday, with about 3 to 5 inches likely by 6 p.m. The high is expected to be 34 degrees, Ryan said.

As a result, the NWS reports the afternoon commute will likely be affected, so drivers are asked to plan for additional travel time. According to the NWS, heavy snow is expected for the afternoon and evening drive.

The updated winter weather advisory, meanwhile, remains in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 1 a.m. Wednesday.

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