Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Drivers across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin could encounter sudden whiteouts tonight as powerful northwest winds whip fresh snowfall across highways, reducing visibility to near zero through early Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Monday for several counties east and south of the Twin Cities, including Dakota, Scott, Le Sueur, Rice, Steele, and Goodhue counties in Minnesota along with St. Croix, Pierce, Dunn, Pepin, Chippewa, and Eau Claire counties in Wisconsin.
While snowfall is expected to taper this evening, an additional 1 to 3 inches may fall before ending. The bigger threat comes from wind gusts reaching 45 mph, which will blow existing snow across roads and rapidly reduce visibility.
Communities including Shakopee, Hastings, Red Wing, Faribault, Owatonna, Hudson, River Falls, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, and Eau Claire may experience the most dangerous conditions overnight.
Major travel corridors such as Interstate 94 between the Twin Cities and Eau Claire, along with Highway 52 near Red Wing and Highway 61 along the Mississippi River, could see blowing snow repeatedly cover lanes and shoulders.
Transportation officials urge residents to delay travel unless absolutely necessary. Drivers who must be on the road should carry winter survival supplies and check road conditions through 511 systems in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Blizzard conditions are expected to persist through the overnight hours before winds slowly ease toward daybreak Monday, though drifting snow may continue to affect the morning commute.
