Minneapolis, MN – Strong northwest winds and rapidly falling temperatures are creating hazardous conditions today across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and eastern North Dakota, with wind gusts reaching 40 to 45 mph in some areas and sub-zero wind chills spreading southeast through the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Twin Cities/Chanhassen and Grand Forks, a cold front moving through the Upper Midwest is driving powerful winds, blowing snow, and deteriorating travel conditions across dozens of counties in all three states.
In central and southern Minnesota, wind gusts between 30 and 45 mph have already been observed Saturday morning, especially near Alexandria, St. Cloud, Willmar, and the Twin Cities metro. Fresh powder from overnight snowfall is being blown across roadways, creating slick spots and brief visibility reductions, particularly in open rural areas.
Farther northwest, western and northern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota are also seeing sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts topping 40 mph at times. Forecasters warn of patchy blowing and drifting snow through mid-afternoon, with visibility occasionally dropping to around one mile.
The strong winds are ushering in much colder air. Wind chills were already 10 to 20 degrees below zero Saturday morning in parts of central Minnesota and are expected to expand southeast through the day as temperatures continue to fall rather than rise.
Drivers are urged to use caution, especially on east–west roads, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
