Up to 12 inches of snow possible Wednesday

ROCHESTER — A robust winter storm is expected to affect Southeast Minnesota on Wednesday, potentially bringing heavy snow and the possibility of whiteout conditions. The heaviest snow will focus in a narrow band - small shifts in this band will lead to wildly different snowfall in communities. ADVERTISEMENT Rochester could see 6 to 12 inches of snow while Austin could see 5 to 11 inches.

The Wabasha area is in the 4 to 10 inches range. As a result, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect through 1 a.m.



Thursday. In addition to snow, strong winds are expected Wednesday, with at least one 40 mph gust likely at locations across the region. The strongest winds are favored to occur west of the Mississippi River valley in Southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa, where gusts to 55 mph may occur.

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