Brace for Snow: Winter Weather Advisory Issued Ahead of Weekend Storm
The first significant snow event of the late-fall season is officially on the way, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Weather Advisory for a large swath of the Upper Midwest, including the busy Twin Cities metropolitan area, as a long-duration storm system moves in for the weekend. The alert puts millions on notice to prepare for slick roads and slow travel, starting as early as Friday evening and lasting through the majority of the weekend.
This isn’t a quick burst of snow, but rather what forecasters are calling a “long duration event,” which means persistent, light-to-moderate snowfall that will build up over time. For those planning weekend activities or travel, the main impact is expected throughout Saturday, with the snow continuing until early Sunday morning.
Advisory vs. Warning: What to Expect
In the Twin Cities area, where the Winter Weather Advisory is in effect, residents should prepare for total snow accumulations in the range of three to six inches. A Winter Weather Advisory is the National Weather Service’s signal that winter conditions are on the way, presenting a hazard, but the expected accumulation doesn’t quite meet the more severe criteria for a Winter Storm Warning. Essentially, be aware and take precautions. This level of snow can make travel difficult, requiring drivers to be prepared for winter road conditions.
The storm system is more intense just south of the metro, where a more serious Winter Storm Warning has been posted for southern Minnesota, including cities along the Interstate 90 corridor. Here, the storm is forecast to drop a hefty six to ten inches of accumulation, which could make travel “difficult or impossible” in some spots.
Impact on Travel and Safety Tips
The primary concern for the weekend is travel, as the steady snowfall will make for snow-covered roads and reduced visibility. The advice from the National Weather Service is clear: allow for extra travel time and use extra caution on the roads, especially if you are traveling in the Advisory area or heading into the more heavily warned southern counties.
This type of event often leads to the first major spike in winter-related vehicle accidents. Even a seemingly small amount of ice or compact snow limits a vehicle’s traction and braking ability. It’s a good time for a quick seasonal check, making sure car tires are properly inflated and windshield wipers are in good shape.
Looking beyond the initial snowfall, sharply colder air is predicted to follow the storm system. High temperatures on Sunday and Monday are expected to drop into the teens, with wind chills dipping below zero each morning, further complicating any remaining snow removal and travel issues. After the snow stops, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia increases with the extreme cold, so anyone venturing outside should dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
The weekend weather serves as a definitive signal that winter is here. While the snow itself may not be historic for the region, its long duration over a holiday weekend means travel plans will be affected. Be sure to check local forecasts continuously for updates on snow totals and changing advisories before heading out.