Weather
Minnesota Winter Weather Awareness: Are Twin Cities Drivers Ready?
Minneapolis, MN – Heavy snowfall, subzero temperatures and icy highways can quickly turn everyday commutes into hazardous journeys across Minnesota. As the 2026 27 winter season approaches, Minneapoli
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-11-06T10:53:27.674Z
Minneapolis, MN – Heavy snowfall, subzero temperatures and icy highways can quickly turn everyday commutes into hazardous journeys across Minnesota. As the 2026 27 winter season approaches, Minneapolis area motorists face an important question: Is your vehicle prepared for another season of snow, ice and potentially dangerous cold?
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Homeland Security and Emergency Management division, winter preparedness includes maintaining emergency supplies, monitoring forecasts and preparing for hazardous travel during winter storms and extreme cold.
For drivers across Minneapolis, Hennepin County and the Minneapolis St. Paul metropolitan area, including St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park and Edina, preparation is especially important along Interstate 94, Interstate 35W, Interstate 394 and Interstate 494, where snow, blowing snow and freezing conditions can complicate travel.
Five Steps to Prepare Your Vehicle for Minnesota Winter Weather 1. Pack a winter emergency kit. Keep blankets, warm clothing, insulated boots, water, nonperishable snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, a phone charger, an ice scraper and a small shovel inside your vehicle. Include traction material such as sand or kitty litter.
2. Maintain at least half a tank of fuel. Extra fuel can be valuable during unexpected highway closures, traffic backups or prolonged winter travel delays. Electric vehicle owners should maintain adequate battery charge and account for reduced range in extreme cold.
3. Inspect your tires. Check tire pressure and tread depth before winter weather develops. Winter tires can improve traction, braking and handling on snow covered or icy pavement, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and extreme cold.
4. Replace worn windshield wipers. Winter capable blades and freeze resistant windshield washer fluid can help maintain visibility during snowfall, blowing snow and road salt buildup.
5. Schedule a mechanical inspection. Have a qualified mechanic examine the battery, antifreeze, brakes, heater, defroster, lights and other essential vehicle systems.
Could Your Vehicle Handle Minneapolis' Next Snowfall? Winter weather across central and southern Minnesota can bring accumulating snow, dangerous wind chills, blowing snow and rapidly changing road conditions.
Strong winds can produce drifting snow and reduced visibility along exposed highways, while extreme cold can weaken vehicle batteries and create additional risks for stranded motorists.
Bridges, overpasses and elevated highway ramps may become slippery before surrounding pavement, especially during periods of freezing precipitation.
Drivers should monitor National Weather Service forecasts, check Minnesota 511 road conditions and reconsider unnecessary travel during blizzards or extreme cold.
Before the next significant snowfall, Minnesota motorists should ask themselves: If winter weather arrived tomorrow, would my vehicle be ready?