Watch CBS News

Minn. Braces For Leap Year Day Snowstorm

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Beware the ides of just-before-March. A snow storm that dumped nearly a foot of snow on parts of northern Minnesota could be just a taste of what's ahead this week.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of the eastern portion of Minnesota. There are also blizzard and storm watches along the western portion of the state. The watches include the northern part of the Twin Cities, Brainerd, St. Cloud and Eau Claire, Wis.

In the southern portion of the state, rain-snow mix could play a big role in determining how much snow will fall, says Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer.

Shaffer said north of the Twin Cities will have the best chance for receiving more than a foot of snow, with possible near-whiteout conditions and significant travel problems.

Closer to the Twin Cities, Shaffer said we'll see more like 3 to 6 inches of snow.

The snow will be heavier to the north, with the southern part of the state seeing primarily rain and sleet.

According to the Duluth News Tribune, totals from Sunday's storm include 6 to 10 inches in northern Lake and Cook counties and 4 to 8 inches in northern and central St. Louis County.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.