Twin Cities, MN — A long-duration winter storm is moving through Minnesota today, bringing steady snow and breezy conditions that will last through late tonight. While snowfall rates are not expected to be exceptionally high, the extended duration of the storm will lead to meaningful accumulations — especially across southern Minnesota.
The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities reports that most areas will see light snow throughout the day, with the bulk of accumulation occurring after 12 PM. Snowfall rates will generally remain around 0.5 inches per hour or less, but compaction and settling may impact final measured totals.
Snowfall amounts are forecast as follows:
- 0” to a trace across central/northern MN
- 1–2” from Cambridge to Rice Lake
- 2–4” around St. Cloud, Hutchinson, parts of western WI
- 3–5” across the Twin Cities metro
- 4–6” from Mankato through Faribault
- 6–10” from Albert Lea, Fairmont, and far southern MN
A sharp snowfall cutoff is expected along the northern edge due to uncertainties in the storm track.
The entire event is all snow, with no mix or icing issues. A lull in snowfall is possible early this morning, but advisory and warning areas will not see their heaviest accumulation until this afternoon and evening.
Winds today and Sunday morning will be breezy, with widespread gusts of 20–30 mph. This may lead to areas of drifting snow, particularly across open terrain in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
The National Weather Service warns that travel will become slippery and slow, especially south of the metro where totals are highest. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late tonight into Sunday afternoon.
