Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Forecasters are tracking a major winter storm that appears to be setting its sights on southeast Minnesota

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The National Weather Service on Monday warned of a major winter storm predicted to arrive in the area this week. Forecasters have since released their first prediction for the anticipated winter storm. 

Defocused young man, male in winter coat cleaning, shoveling driveway, street from snow in heavy snowing snowstorm, holding shovel, residential houses, snowflakes falling
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A Winter Storm Watch is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The watch, issued Tuesday morning, says Rochester and the surrounding communities could see 5-8 inches of snow Wednesday night into Thursday afternoon. The snowfall is predicted to be heavy at times and capable of impacting Thursday morning’s commute. 

Minnesota Department of Transportation (Instagram)
Minnesota Department of Transportation (Instagram)
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Travel is also expected to become difficult during the predicted snowfall. Rochester has a 83% chance to see over 4 inches of snow Wednesday night, a 63% chance of getting over 6 inches of snow and a 39% chance of being walloped with over 8 inches of snow, according to a Tuesday morning tweet from the National Weather Service. 

snow forecast rochester southern minnesota january 18 2023
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The Winter Storm Watch is scheduled to expire at 3 p.m. Thursday. Officials say there will likely be changes to the storm track and snow amounts as the storm approaches the region.

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