Des Moines, IA – Gusty northwest winds are set to impact broad portions of Iowa and southern Minnesota on Sunday, posing travel hazards and the potential for scattered power outages across the region.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Des Moines and the Twin Cities, a Wind Advisory remains in effect from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Sunday for counties stretching from Emmet and Carroll in Iowa to Kandiyohi and Brown in Minnesota. Forecasters expect sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, especially in open rural areas.
Communities including Estherville, Carroll, Willmar, Fairmont, and Alexandria are advised to secure loose outdoor items, and high-profile vehicle operators should use extra caution on highways. Tree limbs could be broken by the wind, and minor power outages are possible.
These conditions follow a typical spring transition pattern across the Upper Midwest but still warrant attention due to elevated gust potential. Drivers on east-west routes like U.S. Highways 20 and 212 may feel the strongest crosswinds.
Residents should monitor local alerts and delay unnecessary travel during peak wind hours. Utility providers suggest keeping mobile devices charged in the event of outages.
