UPDATED: Mendota Heights Area Downgraded to Winter Weather Advisory

Update (9 p.m., Feb. 28, 2012): Mendota Heights Area Downgraded to Winter Weather Advisory

The Mendota Heights area is now under a winter weather advisory, downgraded from a winter storm advisory. The National Weather Service predicts up to .4 of an inch of rain and about half an inch of sleet to fall. One to three inches of snow are still predicted for Wednesday. 

Update (2:51 p.m., Feb. 28, 2012): Warm Temps Impact Snow Forecast for Mendota Heights Area

The Mendota Heights area may not see as much snow as originally forecasted, but we’ll still see plenty of precipitation. The metro is under a winter storm warning updated to run from 3 p.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

 “This system continues to trend warmer than previously expected,” states the National Weather Service, meaning what could have been inches of snow could come in the form of rain and sleet instead.

One to four inches of snow are now predicted for the south metro.

Forecasts updated Tuesday afternoon for the area predict that the snow falling will transition to sleet or rain by evening. Light to moderate snow is expected late Tuesday night into Wednesday as the storm moves out of the area.

Winds are still expected to pick up Tuesday afternoon.

The NWS advises drivers to be prepared for slick roads and travel with a winter survival kit and a fully charged cell phone, especially if you’re driving into west central Minnesota, where a blizzard warning is in effect.

Original story (5 a.m., Feb. 28, 2012): Winter Storm Predicted to Bring Snow, Sleet to Mendota Heights Area 

A winter storm warning has been issued for the Mendota Heights area beginning at noon on Tuesday. Should predictions of snow and freezing rain prove accurate, the region affected could face downed power lines in addition to difficult travel.

While some parts of the Midwest are bracing for up to 20 inches of snow, 1-3 inches of snow are expected to fall in the Mendota Heights area on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, with another 2-4 inches possible Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Tuesday evening that precipitation is expected to transition to sleet and rain, then back to snow or mixed precipitation.

Strong winds are expected to decrease visibility. 

Unnecesary travel is discouraged during winter storm warnings. 

As of Monday night, the winter storm warning extended to 6 p.m. Wednesday.