Minneapolis, Minn. – Roads across the Twin Cities and central Minnesota could become impassable late Saturday night as a historic March winter storm unleashes heavy snow and blizzard conditions through Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, a Blizzard Warning begins at 10 p.m. Saturday and continues until 4 a.m. Monday across a large portion of central and eastern Minnesota, including Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, Anoka, and Stearns counties. The warning covers major population centers such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Cloud, Chaska, Shakopee, and Stillwater.
Snowfall totals of 12 to 18 inches are expected across the region, with intense bands capable of dropping snow at 2 to 2.5 inches per hour late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Those bursts could quickly cover roads and overwhelm plowing operations.
Conditions will worsen Sunday afternoon as northwest winds strengthen to 35 to 45 mph, producing widespread blowing and drifting snow. Visibility may drop near zero at times, especially along open stretches of Interstate 94, Interstate 35, and Interstate 494 around the metro area.
The combination of heavy, water-laden snow and strong wind gusts could also snap tree limbs and bring down power lines, raising the risk of scattered outages.
Officials urge residents to avoid travel after conditions deteriorate late Saturday night. Anyone who must drive should carry emergency supplies and monitor Minnesota’s 511 road conditions system as the storm intensifies. Blizzard conditions may persist until early Monday morning.
