Minneapolis, Minnesota – Powerful wind gusts up to 50 mph are whipping through western and southern Minnesota Friday, prompting a Wind Advisory through 7 p.m. and raising concerns over travel conditions, scattered outages, and downed tree limbs.
According to the National Weather Service in Twin Cities, the strongest gusts will affect cities including Marshall, Fairmont, and Redwood Falls from late morning into the evening hours. Wind gusts in the 40–50 mph range are expected from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the Twin Cities seeing gusts closer to 35 mph.
Roads like Highway 14 and I-90 could see visibility issues due to wind-driven rain and spray. High-profile vehicles are especially at risk in open areas. Residents in Albert Lea, Mankato, and Willmar should secure loose outdoor items and prepare for possible brief outages. Gusts will gradually weaken into the evening as cooler air settles across the region.
Today’s high temperatures will range from the low 50s in the west to around 70 in eastern Minnesota. After a dry and breezy weekend, more showers and storms are expected to return by Monday.
Wind alerts remain in effect until 7 p.m. Friday. More updates will follow if conditions change.
