Minneapolis, Minnesota – Drivers across central and southern Minnesota could wake up to fallen branches, power outages, and dangerous crosswinds Friday morning as powerful overnight winds ramp up late Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, a High Wind Warning begins at 10 p.m. Thursday for western and central Minnesota and expands east toward the Twin Cities by midnight, lasting until 7 a.m. Friday in western counties and 10 a.m. Friday across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro. Northwest winds will strengthen to 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph, while the metro area could see 25 to 35 mph winds with gusts reaching 60 mph.
Communities including St. Cloud, Alexandria, Willmar, Mankato, Redwood Falls, and New Ulm could see the strongest overnight gusts first, with the wind field shifting east toward Minneapolis, St. Paul, Blaine, and Stillwater during the overnight hours.
Transportation officials warn high-profile vehicles may struggle along open stretches of Interstate 94, Highway 10, and Highway 169, where sudden crosswinds can push trucks and trailers across lanes.
Utilities are also monitoring the system as gusts approaching 65 mph could snap tree limbs and down power lines, raising the risk for scattered outages before the Friday morning commute.
Residents should secure trash bins, patio furniture, and other loose outdoor objects before winds intensify. Charging mobile devices ahead of the overnight event may also help if power interruptions occur.
Winds should gradually weaken after 10 a.m. Friday, though additional advisories may follow if lingering gusts continue into the late morning.
