Snowstorm on its Way as Arctic Blast Continues Across Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — There's good news if you're a fan of winter weather. The cold air in the Twin Cities will intensify early next week as the core of the arctic air slides into Canada. The National Weather Service expects below zero temperatures, with a low of 3 below zero Tuesday.

Thursday will see more clouds and scattered flurries, but a more substantial snowstorm will come this weekend. At least a couple of inches of accumulating snow is expected from Saturday into Sunday.

Winter Driving and Survival Tips

With more cold and snow in the forecast, now is a good time to prepare. Here are several precautions the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division recommends you take during the winter months.

• Make sure your car is ready for the season. Throughout the winter, keep your gas tank
at least half full to avoid gas line freeze.

• Avoid traveling (especially alone) if severe weather is threatening. Before taking a trip,
tell someone at your destination of your expected arrival time and your travel route.
Stock your car with basic winter driving equipment: a scraper and brush, small shovel,
jumper cables, tow chain and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. Also include road
flares, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing and a flashlight with batteries. Keep an
emergency survival kit in the car, including high-energy food such as a chocolate bar or
energy bar.

• If your car has been outside during a snowfall, brush all the snow off before starting out.
Snow left on the front hood will blow into the front vent and cause defrosting problems. It
can also melt and re-freeze on the windshield. Snow on the roof will cover the rear
window and snow on the trunk will blow onto tail lights. Pay particular attention to
cleaning off headlights and tail lights so that other motorists can see you.

• Adjust your speed to road conditions and increase following distance. Remember that
bridges and overpasses can be more slippery than other parts of the road. If you begin
to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction you
want the front of the car to go. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) apply a
steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.

• If you find yourself stranded, stay calm and stay put. Staying in your car will decrease
your risk of frostbite or hypothermia and increase your chances of being rescued. Run
your engine for heat about once an hour — every half hour in extreme cold. Make sure
your exhaust pipe is clear to prevent carbon monoxide from getting into the car. Leave
one window slightly open. Tie a piece of brightly colored cloth to your antenna to alert
others and aid rescuers. Limit your sleep to short naps.

• Consider taking a cell phone with you for use during emergencies. On long trips, be sure
the batteries are fully charged and consider bringing a spare battery. Keep the phone
and batteries warm to avoid quick power drain. Driving requires your full attention; find a
safe place to pull off the road when you need to make a call.

Image via National Weather Service