MARSHALL — Changing weather conditions could make travel difficult across parts of Minnesota starting Thursday and continuing into the weekend.
Two different snow systems are expected to move through the state, bringing periods of rain, snow and strong winds. A high wind warning is also in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday for portions of southwest Minnesota and parts of South Dakota. Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 75 mph are possible, which could knock down tree branches, cause scattered power outages and create hazardous travel, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Minnesota Department of Transportation officials say snowplow crews will be working throughout the storms and are urging drivers to give them space on the road.
“Our crews will be busy at work. We want you to give them plenty of room to do their job safely. So that means staying back at least ten car lengths. If you can safely get around them, it’s really challenging in some conditions. Do your part to keep safe, and everybody will get through this latest round of snow,” said MnDOT spokesperson Anne Meyer.
Meyer also encouraged drivers to check road conditions before traveling using the state’s 511 system.
“It’s a great tool to really see what kind of road conditions are out there. Get some views from our highway cameras and our snowplow cameras. See if there are any incidents or crashes in a particular area. It really gives you a good view of what’s happening statewide,” Meyer said.
Rain is possible Thursday afternoon before strong winds move in overnight. Snow chances increase late Friday and Saturday, with heavy snowfall possible Saturday night and into Sunday. Forecasters say some areas could see several inches of accumulation along with blowing snow before temperatures drop sharply early next week.
