Minneapolis, Minnesota – Travel across eastern Minnesota could quickly become dangerous this evening as a powerful March blizzard slams the Twin Cities with heavy snow, strong winds, and near-whiteout visibility.
According to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, a Blizzard Warning now covers much of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, including Minneapolis–St. Paul, through early Monday morning. Heavy snow is expected to intensify overnight with snowfall rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour, quickly covering roads and reducing visibility.
Forecasters say the heaviest band of snow will likely stretch across the Twin Cities metro toward Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where 12 to 18 inches of snow is expected. Some communities in the strongest band could see localized totals approaching 20 inches, particularly across parts of western Wisconsin.
Areas farther south including Mankato, Albert Lea, and Worthington may see lower totals of 4 to 8 inches due to a brief mix of sleet and snow.
Winds will become a major factor overnight and into Sunday morning. Gusts between 40 and 50 mph could create widespread blowing and drifting snow, producing true blizzard conditions even after snowfall begins to taper.
Major highways including I-94, I-35, and U.S. Highway 52 may experience rapidly deteriorating travel conditions as visibility drops and snow piles up on roadways.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel overnight, prepare emergency supplies in vehicles, and monitor weather alerts. Dangerous travel conditions may persist into early Monday morning as blowing snow continues across the region.
