NEXT Weather Alert: Steady snowfall arrives midday for metro, heaviest impacts up north
get the free appMINNEAPOLIS -- Another round of snow will move into the Twin Cities before noon Saturday, with the heaviest flakes falling in the afternoon.
WCCO has issued a NEXT Weather Alert until 9 p.m. Saturday because the snow will have widespread impact, especially in northern Minnesota, which could see over a foot of snow by the time the weekend wraps. Western Minnesota - near Fargo - is under a blizzard warning because of the blowing snow.
The metro area isn't under any type of winter weather advisory, but we'll still see our fair share of snow. The heaviest snowfall will come between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., accumulating upwards of 2 to 3 inches.
Snow will lighten up overnight into Sunday, but blowing snow could be an issue for travel and visibility.
If you feel like there's been a lot of snow over the past few days, you're not wrong. Seven out of the 11 days in March so far have seen measurable snow in the metro area. After this round though, we'll get a bit of a rest; Monday and Tuesday will be dry.
7 of 10 days this month have brought in measurable snow. Why not do it again? Expect snow to increase through the course of the day. Snowflakes before noon, with a steady snow by early afternoon. Join us @WCCO as I discuss snow totals and changes. #mnwx pic.twitter.com/ygCXAhudYQ
— Joseph Dames (@JosephForecast) March 11, 2023
Winter storm shuts down interstates
(AP) — A late-winter blizzard settled over the upper Midwest on Saturday, shutting down roads and adding to one of the snowiest seasons in recent decades.
Bismarck, North Dakota, received nearly 6 inches of snow from Friday night into Saturday morning, and more was predicted. Bismarck's 92.5 inches of snow this season is the third-most in the 148 years records have been kept, according to the National Weather Service.
Several roads were closed, including sections of Interstate 94 and U.S. 52 in North Dakota. Authorities in South Dakota and Minnesota also urged drivers to be cautious due to snowfall and wind blowing the snow back onto paved roadways.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol said a 29-year-old man died Friday night when his pickup truck slid on an icy highway and struck a commercial truck. The driver of the larger truck was hospitalized with serious injuries.
The National Weather Service said some areas of the Upper Midwest could see more than 12 inches of snow through Sunday, while other areas could see rain and freezing rain.
The storm is expected to move into the Upper Great Lakes region on Sunday.
It's officially been one of the top 10 snowiest winters in the metro
It's official: this winter has been one of the top 10 snowiest winters in the Twin Cities.
With the noon weather update of .6 inches of snow, the Twin Cities has accumulated 78.6 inches of snow this season. That pushes us over to the ninth snowiest winter overall.
Records go back to 1885. The metro is still on track to see 3 inches of snow on Saturday.
With a noon update of .6" of snow, we are now in the top 10. 🌨️
— Joseph Dames (@JosephForecast) March 11, 2023
Our running snow total for the season is now at 78.6". Not only did we make it in the top 10, but we jumped to #9. After we finish this weekend, we will be closer to #7. @wcco #mnwx pic.twitter.com/w28kmBfJNR