Minnesota Weather: Rain In Twin Cities Thursday

UPDATE (Thursday) — Heavy snow will continue to fall in western Minnesota Thursday, while rain is expected in the Twin Cities metro area. However, the rain in the metro may change into light snow by Friday morning.

The winter storm will last through Friday afternoon. MnDOT plows will be out around the clock.

If you have to drive anywhere, be sure to allow for extra time for travel. The Minnesota State Patrol reported 270 crashes between 6 p.m. Dec. 26 through Thursday at 8 a.m. In those crashes, 20 resulted in injuries, and zero were fatal.

Looking for unofficial snowfall reports? You can find out approximately how much fell in your area Wednesday night here.

TWIN CITIES, MN — A major winter storm will arrive in Minnesota Wednesday, bringing heavy snow across the region. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm advisory for counties in the Twin Cities metro area, including Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington.

Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected in the metro. Officials say motorists should plan on slippery road conditions.

"Snow will begin advancing into southwestern Minnesota late this morning, with intensity increasing by evening," says NWS.

"Snow, possibly heavy at times, will continue through late tonight before intensity tapers off Thursday morning. Occasional light freezing drizzle is possible but not expected to make a major impact as compared to the snow."

Up to 12 inches could fall in parts of northern Minnesota. A winter storm warning remains in effect for areas along and north of a line from Canby to Litchfield to Cambridge.

Here's the National Weather Service forecast for the Twin Cities metro:

Today: Snow likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 33. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight: Snow before 1 a.m., then rain and snow between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., then rain after 3 a.m. Low around 31. East southeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday: Rain. High near 37. East wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Rain before 11 p.m., then rain and snow between 11 p.m. and midnight, then snow likely after midnight. Low around 25. North northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Friday: A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 17 by 5 p.m. North northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 13. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south southwest in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. South southwest wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 29. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. South southwest wind around 10 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

New Year's Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 10. West northwest wind around 10 mph.

Top image via National Wether Service