UPDATED: Blizzard? Fridley's First Real MN Winter Storm of the Season

Update (3:45 p.m. Saturday): The latest version of the National Weather Service's Winter Storm Warning emphasizes the B-word ("Blizzard"). Snow accumulations: six to nine inches.

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Original post (Friday): The National Weather Service upgraded its earlier winter storm watch to a winter storm warning in effect from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon for much of Minnesota, including Fridley.

Weather service forecasters say as many as six inches of snow could fall on Saturday and Sunday. Windy conditions may lead to blowing and drifting snow and "near-blizzard" conditions in open areas, forecasters warn.

Forecasters are also calling for one to three inches of snow accumulation on Friday afternoon and evening.

The snow expected this weekend will be followed by cold air system, according to the weather service. Wind chills of 15–20 degrees below zero are likely across much of central and western Minnesota Sunday night and Monday.

Earlier storms Nov. 11–12 dropped large hail on Fridley on a Sunday morning and made roads icy-slick for a Monday morning commute. But Fridley Public Works Director Jim Kosluchar said by email at the time that city crews weren't needed: 

Our Street Supervisor was in to check on the roadways in Fridley early Monday. Our Police Department also advises us if we have hazardous conditions. Conditions in Fridley did not require de-icing early Monday morning.

Remember that Fridley does not have snow emergencies. Instead there are parking restrictions in effect all winter.

Check the Fridley Patch "Commute" feature for current traffic information anytime.

Planning to take photos of the snowfall this weekend? Add your shots to this post or upload them to Fridley Patch Pics & Clips.