Minneapolis, Minnesota – Travel across the Upper Midwest could become dangerous within the next 24 hours as a strengthening April winter storm spreads snow and ice from the Dakotas into Michigan.
According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, a second storm system will intensify Friday into Saturday, producing widespread snowfall totals of 6 inches or more across North Dakota, South Dakota, and northern Minnesota, with localized higher amounts where snowfall rates may exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour.
The system will expand east into Wisconsin and Michigan by late Friday night, transitioning from heavy snow to a mix of sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulation between 0.25 and 0.50 inches is possible from eastern South Dakota through central and northern Wisconsin into parts of Michigan, increasing the risk of tree damage and power outages.
Cities including Bismarck, Sioux Falls, Minneapolis, Duluth, Green Bay, and Marquette could see rapidly deteriorating road conditions, especially on major corridors like I-94 and I-35. Blowing snow and reduced visibility may further complicate travel across open areas of the Plains.
Residents are urged to delay non-essential travel, charge devices, and prepare for possible outages as ice accumulates on power lines. Conditions may worsen quickly Friday night and remain hazardous into Saturday evening, with additional alerts likely as the storm tracks east.
