It's coming: Forecasters call for heavy snow

• Winter storm approaches

Image courtesy of the National Weather Service.

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Weather experts, including those at the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, Minn., call for heavy snow and a mix of wintry weather throughout west-central Minnesota and central and northwest Wisconsin.

NWS issued a winter storm watch for those areas from the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 28 through the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 29, including a blizzard warning for west-central Minnesota – an area along and west of a line from Benson through Alexandria.

The winter storm warning affects the Twin Cities area and all of northwestern Wisconsin.

Forecasters predict an area of low pressure to develop over the western mountains and gain strength as it moves into the area. They expect snow to being Tuesday morning, becoming heavier toward afternoon and night.

They predict the heaviest snowfall totals will be centered along a line from Morris and St. Cloud, Minn., to Rice Lake, with 10-16 inches of snow possible. They also warn of the possibility of low visibility and significant blowing or drifting snow.

Locations south of the heaviest snow band can expect a wintry mix that could include snow, sleet and freezing rain, with mostly snow after dark. Snowfall totals are expected to reach between 8 and 12 inches for the Amery/Rice Lake/Ladysmith area and 4-6 inches in the area between the southern Twin Cities and Eau Claire.

Forecasters warn that wind and slick road conditions could cause travelers significant problems and that wet snow could cause tree branches to break, leading to power outages. They advise travelers: Take a winter survival kit and a fully charged cell phone with them, and if stranded – stay with the vehicle.

Tags: weather, wisconsin, news