Minnesota – A major winter storm is set to sweep across Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin today, bringing widespread heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Winter Storm Warnings for more than a dozen counties, with snowfall totals ranging from 4 inches in southern zones to more than 20 inches in lake-effect regions along Lake Superior.
According to the NWS, rain will transition to snow throughout Tuesday as colder air wraps into the storm system. Snow will intensify rapidly by the afternoon and evening, with pockets of snowfall rates near 1 inch per hour across central Minnesota. The worst travel impacts are expected from late Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, particularly in areas experiencing blowing and drifting snow as winds gust between 35 and 45 mph.
Douglas and Todd counties, including Alexandria and Long Prairie, are forecast to receive 4 to 7 inches of snow from noon Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. Nearby counties—Morrison, Mille Lacs, and Kanabec—can expect 3 to 6 inches through midday Wednesday, creating slippery roads during both the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.
Farther north, heavier totals are expected. Cass, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties are projected to receive 5 to 7 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Along Lake Superior, totals rise sharply. Bayfield and Douglas counties in Wisconsin are forecast to see 8 to 14 inches, while Iron and Ashland counties may receive 10 to 15 inches, with northern Iron County potentially reaching 18 to 25 inches due to intense lake-effect snow.
The NWS urges travelers to consider postponing trips. Those who must be on the road should carry a winter emergency kit, monitor 511 for updated road conditions, and prepare for sudden drops in visibility.
