This weekend looks like it’s going to be messy once again and we’re hoping the lessons learned in February’s monster storm carries over to this weekend.

As it stands right now, Saturday’s storm will bring with it a variety of elements including 4 to 8 inches of snow, rain and freezing rain according to the National Weather Service. Complicating this will be blowing snow brought on by winds of 14 to 21 miles per hour with gusts of 30 miles per hour possible.

Austin city officials have already begun advising not to travel Saturday and Sunday if you don’t have to and if this turns out to, be the system predicted; we’re willing to echo that statement.

February’s storm shut down most all roads and highways in southern Minnesota and stranded several motorists statewide, not only putting occupants in danger, but those who to go rescue them.

Right now, the NWS isn’t expecting the snow amounts we received in that February storm, however,the amount of different elements as well as blowing snow is going to combine to make things just as dangerous.

We urge people in our area and southeastern Minnesota to listen to authorities if and when they advise no travel.

Check with the city as conditions begin to change and if you must travel, then check with the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s MnDot 511 site for current and up-to-date road conditions.

Keep safety in mind as we all struggle through what we hope will be the end of winter.