Signs of Spring Delayed by Winter Storm

It’s Friday the 13th and as luck would have it, another big snowstorm is headed our way.

“This is a very dynamic storm system,” said Minnesota State Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld. “I’d say almost anything can happen with it.”

Signs of spring are showing at Parkers Lake in Plymouth, but that’s all about to change with a weekend snowstorm.

“Over the northwest metro at least 8 to 12 inches is kind of what’s expected. Some areas are probably going to get more than that,” Blumenfeld reported.  He’s also a hazardous weather specialist for Hennepin County.  Blumenfeld says to expect a mixture of rain, ice, snow and high winds. The combination will limit visibility.

“Especially parts of the northwest metro that are outside of the 694 and 494 corridor,” he said.  “The more open areas will have a better chance of seeing restrictions in visibility.”

Plymouth public works crews are ready for whatever comes our way. They spent the day loading up on salt, making sure equipment is in working order.

“We have about 35 staff that we can bring in for a full call out. In addition we have some contractors that plow some of the cul de sacs for us,” explained Plymouth Public Works Supervisor, Joe Pauman.

People we talked with say they’re ready for spring, real spring. Those folks might want to head out to Orchids Limited, where it’s tropical and a balmy 70 degrees inside. Owner Jerry Fischer says he doesn’t mind folks stopping by to get a taste of summer.

“They brave the elements just to come out and like get away from it and you know, they come in and get tempted, because outside it’s ugly and in here it’s beautiful,” he said.

MnDOT is advising no travel on Saturday.  Early local cancellations include all Parks and Recreation classes Saturday in Plymouth.  The North Hennepin Community College campus is also closed Saturday.

Plymouth