Rounds of snow to brush Upper Midwest, hinder Super Bowl travel plans

Following a frigid start to February, residents in the Upper Midwest should brace for two rounds of snow into Saturday night.

Two quick-moving Alberta clipper storms will dive southeastward out of Canada and spread snow from the Dakotas to the Great Lakes prior to Super Bowl 52.

Following the first storm that brought light snow to part of the Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes on Friday and Friday night, a second storm will sweep through the northern tier of the country on Saturday.

“The second storm could leave a swath of a few inches of snow from the Dakotas to Wisconsin into Saturday night, which could have a greater impact on travel, especially for the Minneapolis area,” Doll warned.

This storm has the potential to drop 1-3 inches, and potentially as much as 4-5 inches, of snow across much of the Upper Midwest.

Many locations in the northern Plains and Midwest have experienced below-normal snowfall so far this winter and remain in a moderate to severe drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

Although the snow will be beneficial for the ground water supply, it should put no significant dent in the drought across the regions.

The biggest impact from these systems is likely to be felt on the roadways and at the airports.

“Roads across the region will be slippery and snow-covered, making for hazardous driving conditions,” Doll added. “Flights in and out of Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport could be delayed.”

Large stretches of Interstate 35, I-29, I-90, I-94, I-80 and I-75 can become snow-packed and dangerous for those traveling to Minneapolis to watch the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots face off in Super Bowl 52.

Airport operators could face de-icing problems and be forced to delay flights, even in the absence of a more significant snow or ice event.

Snow is expected to move to the east of the Minneapolis area prior to Super Bowl Sunday, but bitterly cold conditions will greet fans spending time outdoors before the game.

Another weak storm has the potential to bring a couple of inches of snow to the central Plains on Saturday night into Sunday before another shot of frigid air invades the northern part of the country early next week.

More substantial precipitation is likely to fall from a southern storm in the Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes on Sunday.

Report a Typo