Predicted Snow Totals Change in New Minnesota Blizzard Forecast, Travel Not Advised

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The National Weather Service has refined its snowfall predictions ahead of a major storm that’s set to arrive in southeast Minnesota on Wednesday. 

See Also: Weather Closings and Delays for Wednesday, March 19, 2025 in Southeast Minnesota 

Many school districts across the area are closed on Wednesday. The City of Rochester is also asking residents to abide by seasonal parking and is preparing for snow removal operations in downtown Rochester. 

On Tuesday afternoon, forecasters adjusted the blizzard-warned southeastern Minnesota counties to include Olmsted County. 

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The Blizzard warning begins at 7 a.m. Wednesday and is scheduled to expire by 10:00 Wednesday night. 

Latest Minnesota Blizzard Forecast Includes Slight Reduction in Predicted Snow Totals

Wednesday morning’s forecast is calling for rain and mixed precipitation to move into the Rochester area by mid-morning Wednesday before switching to snow by early Wednesday afternoon. 

The latest forecast includes a slight reduction in the predicted snow totals for the Rochester area. 4-11 inches are now expected to fall by Wednesday night, which is slightly down from the 6-12 inches predicted on Tuesday. 

Forecasters moved the destination of the expected narrow band of heavy snow to the southeast over Rochester. 

Despite a slightly diminished snowfall prediction, travel across the area is still expected to become difficult.

Sustained wind speeds of 20-40 mph with gusts as high as 55 mph are expected to accompany the heavy snowfall. 

Officials are advising residents of southeast Minnesota to avoid travel from mid-morning until Wednesday evening in the Blizzard Warning areas. 

Check on the latest weather-related announcements and real-time road conditions on the KROC News App.