Dec 28

Dec 28 First big snowstorm of the year hits southeast Minnesota

The Rochester area could get hit with more than 10 inches of snow Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service in La Crosse.

Snow and sleet continue to fall around the region. Intensity could increase going into this evening. pic.twitter.com/1RYsRghsDI
— NWS La Crosse (@NWSLaCrosse) December 28, 2015

Snow is falling in SE MN. Most roads are partially or completely covered with snow. View of #rochmn Hwy 52 pic.twitter.com/C0XFhnmFT2
— MnDOT District 6 (@mndotsoutheast) December 28, 2015

The bulk of the snow is expected to fall between 3 and 9 p.m. Forecasters say travel will be "very difficult to impossible," especially for the evening commute.

"Road closures tonight could occur in rural areas," says NWS La Crosses's Facebook page. "Its going to be bad - and if you can delay any travel for tonight (or cancel), that's probably a good idea."

It's snowing pretty good in downtown #rochmn #snOMG pic.twitter.com/iYvbIQsVpv
— Andrew Link (@alinkphoto) December 28, 2015

Minnesota: where you remove snow in layers (first one done) and shoveling is your workout for the day. #rochmn pic.twitter.com/fdOgLfh6Ju
— Karna Bergstrom (@KmbSmile) December 28, 2015

The last time Rochester had 10 inches or more snow in a single day was May 2, 2013 when the city got dumped with 14 inches. Before that it was Dec. 11, 2010 with 15 inches, according to NWS La Crosse.

The Rochester Public Works Department sent out an alert Monday morning reminding residents to park vehicles somewhere other than the street and to avoid parking parking in places that have not been plowed.

Here are some of other tips from the department:

Direct snow from your driveway and the sidewalk towards your yard, rather than the boulevard or street. By pushing and shoveling snow into your yard, you leave more room in the boulevard for storage of snow from street plowing. In addition, it is a violation of city ordinances to push, shovel, throw or blow snow from private driveways or parking lots into the street. Violators are subject to the issuance of a $40 Administrative Fine Citation for a first offense.

Quick reminder on snow removal responsibilities. #rochmn https://t.co/faCKAlgH6m
— Aaron Reeves (@RochMNCityClerk) December 28, 2015

Place garbage and recycling containers in your driveway or on the boulevard on pickup days. Garbage and recycling containers placed in the street create additional obstacles for the snow plow drivers to navigate around. Many times the containers are tipped over due to the force of the plowed snow hitting them or the snow is not plowed all the way to the edge of the street causing the street to become narrower.

Follow the 12-hour parking rule. City ordinance states vehicles are not allowed to park on the street for more than 12 consecutive hours. Following these requirements helps improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the snow plow operations. Violations are subject to a parking ticket and towing.

Obey posted traffic signs. Pay attention to posted signs in order to abide by parking laws. Some areas of Rochester are subject to Alternate Side Winter Parking Zone requirements, while others have winter parking regulations in effect. Violations are subject to a parking ticket and towing.

A winter storm warning will be in effect through 6 a.m. Tuesday.