Mankato, Minnesota – Drivers across southern Minnesota could face sudden whiteout conditions today as powerful winds nearing 60 mph whip heavy snow across highways, creating life-threatening travel conditions through early Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Monday for much of south-central and western Minnesota, including Mankato, Willmar, Redwood Falls, Hutchinson, New Ulm, St. Peter, and Waseca. The storm could produce 5 to 10 inches of additional snowfall while strong northwest winds rapidly blow and drift snow across roadways.
Earlier Sunday, intense snowfall bands across southern Minnesota were producing 2 to 3 inches per hour, with totals of 12 to 18 inches possible in parts of the broader region as the system expands toward western Wisconsin.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly on key routes including U.S. Highway 169, Highway 14, and Highway 212, where blowing snow may reduce visibility below one-quarter mile. Officials warn the storm could severely impact the Monday morning commute across Blue Earth, Brown, Nicollet, and surrounding counties.
Emergency managers urge residents to delay travel and prepare for possible road closures, noting that if major highways shut down, many rural roads will become impassable.
Blizzard conditions may persist overnight before winds begin easing early Monday, though drifting snow could continue to cause hazardous travel even after snowfall tapers.
