Minneapolis, Minnesota – Another surge of Arctic air is lining up to sweep across Minnesota, and homeowners statewide are being reminded that overlooked winter prep issues can quickly turn into costly damage once temperatures plunge and remain dangerously cold.
As frigid air spreads across the Upper Midwest, frozen pipes remain the most common winter emergency. Pipes running through basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable during prolonged cold, and rapid temperature drops can cause freezing and bursts that flood homes with little warning.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently overlooked problem. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged by lint, snow, or ice, trapping moisture that freezes and forces airflow back into the home. These blockages can lead to water damage and increase fire risk when appliances cannot vent properly.
Ice dams continue to cause widespread damage across Minnesota during extended cold spells and heavy snow. Heat escaping through uneven attic insulation melts rooftop snow, which then refreezes along colder roof edges. Water backs up beneath shingles, damaging ceilings, insulation, and interior walls. Older homes in Minneapolis and surrounding communities are particularly susceptible.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also rank high among winter hazards. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow has nowhere to drain, increasing the risk of basement flooding during brief warmups.
Rounding out the top five is neglected heating equipment. Furnaces and boilers that haven’t been serviced can struggle or fail under extreme demand, leaving homes without reliable heat and pushing residents toward unsafe heating alternatives.
Homeowners are urged to insulate exposed pipes, clear snow and debris from exterior vents, manage roof snow buildup safely, and ensure heating systems are operating efficiently before the cold tightens its grip. Additional cold-related alerts are expected as January’s harsh winter pattern remains locked in across Minnesota.
