Rochester, MN – A powerful winter storm is set to bring blizzard conditions to southeast Minnesota and northern Iowa starting Tuesday night, with dangerous travel conditions expected through Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, WI, rain will transition to heavy snow overnight Tuesday, accumulating between 4 and 9 inches in southeast Minnesota, including Rochester, Winona, and Austin. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, combined with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph, will create whiteout conditions west of the Mississippi River.
In northern Iowa, including Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw, and Howard counties, snowfall totals of 2 to 5 inches are expected, accompanied by winds gusting as high as 55 mph. These conditions will significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions, particularly during the Wednesday morning commute.
The blizzard warning is in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 3 p.m. Wednesday in Minnesota, and from midnight Tuesday until 3 p.m. Wednesday in Iowa. Officials advise against travel during the storm. Those who must travel should carry a winter survival kit and check road conditions via 511mn.org in Minnesota and 511ia.org in Iowa.
Residents should prepare for possible power outages and falling tree branches due to strong winds. Authorities urge caution and preparedness as the storm moves through the region.
