Minneapolis, MN – Wind gusts topping 40 mph and a fast rain-to-snow changeover could snarl traffic on I-94, I-35 and I-90 before the Wednesday evening commute begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, strong easterly winds will continue through late Tuesday evening before shifting westerly overnight. Gusts between 30 and 40 mph are expected across much of central and southern Minnesota on Wednesday, with the strongest winds focused along the Minnesota River Valley down toward I-90. A narrow band of wet snow could produce up to a few inches from west-central Minnesota into the Twin Cities by late Wednesday afternoon.
Rain develops Tuesday evening along I-94 from Alexandria through St. Cloud into Minneapolis. As temperatures fall below freezing after midnight, precipitation will transition to snow, first near Little Falls and Alexandria, then south toward Hutchinson, Mankato and the metro area. Roads that remain wet could refreeze before sunrise Wednesday, especially on bridges and overpasses along I-35W, I-35E and I-494.
By midday Wednesday, snowfall rates may briefly intensify in a narrow corridor stretching from Morris and Willmar through the Twin Cities. Even 2 to 4 inches of wet snow combined with 35 to 43 mph gusts could reduce visibility and push vehicles across open stretches of I-90 near Albert Lea and Worthington.
Drivers should secure loose outdoor items, allow extra stopping distance and prepare for sudden crosswinds on north-south highways. Conditions improve gradually Wednesday night, but lingering gusts and slick pavement could persist past 9 p.m. Additional advisories remain possible if the snow band shifts south.
