Winter storm drops over eight inches of snow in parts of metro, central Minnesota

Snow
Photo credit Getty

Areas of the Twin Cities including MSP Airport reported over 8 inches of snow on Tuesday after the latest winter storm dropped between 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour during the day.

8.4 inches fell at MSP according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, while 8.5 inches fell in Burnsville, and 9 inches of snow fell east of North St. Paul.

"We did have some impressive numbers on Tuesday," said NWS Meteorologist Bill Borghoff. "It was snowing one to two inches an hour around midday. The airport had two inches in one hour. The heaviest band set up from the southwest metro, bisecting both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Basically reaching northern Washington County. Between that corridor we had between 5 to 9 inches."

7 inches of snow was reported in North Mankato, with St. Peter reporting 8.5 inches.

"Generally we're talking two to four inches well to the west of the cities and well to the east in parts of western Wisconsin. They had a little bit less in those areas, but in that corridor from south central Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin, that fairly narrow area had quite a bit of snow."

Borghoff said Wednesday morning that the heaviest snow fell around midday on Tuesday as the band of snow sat over the metro.

"That's where we accumulated about two inches per hour," added Borghoff. "Snow can really pile up quickly when you're talking two inches per hour. That's where we were seeing the reports above 8 inches."

Another system appears on track to hit Minnesota on Friday night, with much of the snow accumulating across the Dakotas and northern Minnesota according to the National Weather Service.

"Behind the cold front we may see a bit of light snow and the winds are really going to increase late Friday night. That may lead to some travel concerns with blowing snow and wind gusts in the 45 to 50 MPH range. The snow amounts should be pretty light, around 1 to 2 inches."

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty