Twin Cities in line for a rainy, snowy weekend

There is another signficant storm for the Twin Cities afoot.

Yes, upwards of a foot.

That's how much wet, heavy snow could fall from Saturday into Sunday in the metro area and nearby communities, according to the National Weather Service.

"A large winter storm will bring significant snow accumulations to much of the region," the Weather Service said Thursday morning. "Some areas could see over 12 inches."

"Travel will become very difficult Saturday afternoon, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour expected," the Weather Service statement cautioned.

March's march up the snowfall ruler comes as much of the Twin Cities remains under roof-stressing snow in February that set a record for the month at 39 inches.

The lower two-thirds of Minnesota is in line for at least a half-foot of moisture-laden snow, according to the Weather Service, with deeper totals of a foot or more anticipated closer to the Twin Cities and the western suburbs, and areas to the west and south. In the metro area, freezing drizzle early in the morning will turn to snow after 9 a.m., with 4 to 8 inches of snow falling during the day and 3 to 5 inches arriving overnight.

Once the newest blanket of white is in place, the NWS says to expect strong winds with gusts of 40 miles per hour or more sweeping in and blowing that snow around.

On the temperature front in the Twin Cities, there are no highs above freezing until at least Wednesday, but yet another round of snow could pop again Tuesday.

A legal objection — with tongue firmly in cheek — was filed Thursday against the latest drumbeat of a relentless and exhausting winter. Hennepin County District Judge Kevin Burke signed an emergency temporary restraining order filed by the citizens of Minnesota that names as defendants Minnesota Meteorologists, Old Man Winter and Mr. Snow.

In his ruling, laden with ample doses of legalese and humor, Burke wrote, "This order is issued because there is compelling evidence in the record that Minnesota Meteorologists have conspired with the other defendants to increase television and radio ratings. Who, for example, would watch the weather in Hawaii, where it is always nice?"

Twin Cities-based Sun Country Airlines on Thursday issued a weather waiver for anyone with flights booked to or from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Saturday or Sunday. For details and restrictions on avoiding rebooking fees, visit suncountry.com/Info/travel-advisories.html.