Iowa and Minnesota – A potent winter storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions and hazardous travel across parts of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a Blizzard Warning is in effect from noon Sunday until 9 a.m. CST Monday for portions of north central and northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. Affected areas include Mitchell, Howard, Floyd, and Chickasaw counties in Iowa, along with Dodge, Olmsted, Mower, and Fillmore counties in Minnesota, including cities such as Rochester, Austin, Charles City, Cresco, New Hampton, and Dodge Center.
The storm is expected to begin as rain before quickly changing to snow from west to east during the afternoon. Forecasters say snowfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour at times through the evening, with total accumulations of 5 to 8 inches. Northwest wind gusts near 45 mph will produce widespread blowing and drifting snow, leading to visibilities below one-quarter mile, especially in open and unsheltered areas.
Rapidly falling temperatures will cause standing water and untreated roads to freeze, further worsening travel conditions. The National Weather Service warns that travel will be hazardous to treacherous, with dangerous conditions expected to impact the Monday morning commute.
Officials urge residents to limit travel to emergencies only. Those who must travel should carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicle if stranded. Road conditions are available at 511ia.org in Iowa and 511mn.org in Minnesota.
