Minneapolis, Minnesota – Drivers across the Twin Cities could face dangerous travel within hours Saturday evening as a powerful winter storm begins dumping heavy snow that may pile up to 18 inches by late Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Monday for the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro and much of central Minnesota, including Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, Anoka, Carver, Scott, and Wright counties.
Forecasters expect 12 to 18 inches of total snowfall, with locally higher totals possible near the metro. Snowfall rates may reach 2 to 2.5 inches per hour late Saturday night, quickly covering roads across Interstate 94, Interstate 35W, Interstate 494, and Highway 169.
Northwest winds may gust as high as 40 mph, blowing snow across highways and reducing visibility across the region.
The same storm will also hit western Wisconsin, where communities such as Eau Claire, Hudson, Rice Lake, and Menomonie could see 15 to 20 inches of snow through early Monday morning.
Officials warn that travel could become very difficult to impossible overnight Saturday through Sunday evening, with blowing snow and heavy accumulations creating dangerous conditions across much of Minnesota.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare emergency kits, and monitor road conditions through Minnesota 511 or Wisconsin 511.
The storm is expected to gradually weaken late Sunday night into early Monday, though heavy snow and drifting may continue to impact the Monday morning commute.
