Mankato, Minnesota – Whiteout conditions are rapidly spreading across southern Minnesota this evening as powerful winds whip fresh snowfall into blizzard conditions that could make travel nearly impossible through early Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Monday for parts of south-central and southwest Minnesota, including Blue Earth, Brown, Nicollet, Waseca, Watonwan, Redwood, Yellow Medicine, and Lac qui Parle counties. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph, sending loose snow across roads and cutting visibility to near zero at times.
Many communities including Mankato, New Ulm, St. Peter, Redwood Falls, Granite Falls, St. James, and Waseca already picked up more than 8 inches of snow earlier Sunday, with isolated totals exceeding 12 inches from south-central Minnesota into western Wisconsin. Another 1 to 3 inches may fall before snowfall tapers later this evening.
High winds are expected to create the worst conditions along open stretches of Highway 14, Highway 169, and rural roads through the Minnesota River Valley. Even after snowfall ends, blowing and drifting snow could continue to block roadways overnight.
Officials warn that travel may become life-threatening in rural areas. Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential trips and check road conditions through Minnesota’s 511 system before leaving home.
Blizzard conditions are expected to persist overnight, with winds slowly easing toward daybreak Monday, though drifting snow could continue to impact roads into the morning commute.
