Minneapolis, Minnesota – Snowfall rates reaching 1 inch per hour could rapidly bury roads across the Upper Midwest starting tonight, setting up near-whiteout conditions and dangerous travel through the weekend.
According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, a second winter storm will spread heavy snow from the northern Plains into Minnesota and Wisconsin overnight, expanding into the Upper Midwest by Saturday morning. Snowfall rates may exceed 1 inch per hour at times, with totals reaching 8 inches or more widely and isolated areas seeing up to 18 inches.
The heaviest impacts are expected across the Twin Cities, northern Wisconsin, and parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where snow-covered roads, blowing snow, and visibility drops could shut down major corridors including I-94 and I-35. In southern Minnesota into Wisconsin, a band of freezing rain may add up to 0.75 inches of ice, increasing the risk of tree damage and power outages.
Drivers are urged to avoid travel during peak snowfall rates, as conditions can deteriorate within minutes. Keep emergency kits in vehicles and prepare for extended travel delays or outages.
The storm continues through Sunday morning, with additional advisories likely as conditions worsen across the region.
