Minneapolis, Minnesota – A powerful mid-March blizzard is sweeping across the Upper Midwest, bringing snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour and winds gusting up to 60 mph, creating whiteout conditions that could shut down travel from the Dakotas through the Great Lakes through Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, the storm is already underway across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, with a corridor of extreme snowfall expected from eastern South Dakota through Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and into Upper Michigan.
The Twin Cities metro sits near the core of the storm where heavy snow bands could produce 12 to 24 inches or more of accumulation. Some areas from central Minnesota into northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan could see totals approaching 1 to 3 feet before the system weakens late Monday.
Blizzard conditions are likely in open areas as wind gusts approach 60 mph, producing widespread blowing and drifting snow. Travel on major routes including Interstates 94, 35, and 90 may become extremely dangerous or nearly impossible during peak snowfall.
South of the heaviest snow, parts of northern Lower Michigan could see significant icing from freezing rain, with ice accumulations potentially exceeding 0.25 inches, increasing the risk of tree damage and power outages.
Officials across the Upper Midwest urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for potential power outages, and monitor emergency alerts as this historic winter storm continues through Monday night.
