By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – The Twin Cities’ can expect more snow in the forecast and an increase in temperatures over the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for 2 p.m. Thursday in effect until 3 a.m. Friday. Two to four inches of snow is possible.

With several snowfalls this winter, Bloomington Public Works Director Jim Karch told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin the city and most other communities follow the same snow removal system.

“Primary streets are the first priority to allow emergency vehicles access if necessary,” said Karch. “Side streets are not plowed unless there are at least two inches of snow, and plowing only begins until snowfall has stopped.”

Many residents get concerned about salting streets when it snows. Karch explained that salting is only effective when temperatures are above 20 degrees and side streets are only salted if an all ice event occurs.

After Thursday night, much warmer temperatures are in the forecast this weekend which could cause water pipe issues.

“We had a minus 45 wind chill, now we are going to get around 50 degrees and that’s over a 90 degree swing…the pipes that had been completely frozen are now going to be popping and could cause some leaks,” Karch said.

He added that warmer temperatures will allow road crews to start repairing potholes.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]