Winter Storm Watch Issued for Southern Minnesota

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for a large portion of central and southern Minnesota, for our most significant snowfall of the season.

On the heels of a dry fall and early winter, followed by the least-snowy January on record, snow totals this weekend will likely exceed our total snowfall to date.

The Winter Storm Watch, in effect from late Friday night through Saturday afternoon, is calling for the possibility of 5 to 8 inches of snowfall.

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This is one of the best signals we've had all winter for a wide swath of accumulating snow. There is still time for the track to change slightly, but snow is very likely for Friday into Saturday.

Travel could be difficult from late Friday night through Saturday. Stay tuned for forecast updates that could affect timing and snowfall totals.

The Minnesota Must-Have: MnDOT 511 App

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds you that they've added some new features to their 511 traveler information system.

This is your Minnesota winter travel must have app, with the latest road conditions, plow cams, accident reports, and more.

Some of the newest features include:

• Personalize your 511, where you can enter up to 20 routes that you travel regularly.
• Smart 511, where you sign-up online and then enter your phone number to get information sent to you.

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• Citizen Reporting, where you can submit driving conditions where you are.
• Traffic delay, which shows if there are any delays on your route due to a crash, construction, other incidents.
• Plow Cams, where you can see what the plow drivers are seeing.

MnDOT's web address is 511mn.org, or you can download the mobile app for free.

MnDOT Adds this regarding snow plow safety:

Snowplows travel much slower than the posted speeds because it is most effective for clearing roads. The driver’s field of vision is severely restricted behind the truck, and the driver must rely on mirrors to see to the rear and side of the truck.

Be patient, and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip. Stay back at least 10 car lengths between your vehicle and a plow.