Albert Lea, Minnesota – Roads across southern Minnesota could quickly turn icy early Sunday before a powerful wind surge creates dangerous whiteout conditions by the afternoon, threatening travel across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, a Winter Storm Warning begins at 4 a.m. Sunday and continues until 1 p.m., followed by a Blizzard Warning from 1 p.m. Sunday until 4 a.m. Monday for Martin, Faribault, and Freeborn counties.
Communities including Albert Lea, Fairmont, and Blue Earth are expected to see a messy start to the storm. Forecasters expect up to 2 inches of snow, around one-quarter inch of sleet, and up to one-tenth inch of ice during the morning hours as precipitation begins.
Conditions will rapidly worsen Sunday afternoon as colder air takes over and snow increases. Additional snowfall of 3 to 5 inches combined with northwest wind gusts up to 55 mph could produce widespread blowing snow and near-zero visibility.
Major travel routes including Interstate 90, Interstate 35, and U.S. Highway 169 may become extremely hazardous as icy roads transition to blowing snow and whiteout conditions.
Officials warn that travel could become very difficult or impossible from Sunday afternoon through the overnight hours. Residents are urged to delay travel, prepare emergency kits, and monitor road conditions through Minnesota 511.
Blizzard conditions may continue into early Monday morning, with potential power outages and blocked roads possible after the storm passes.
