Winter Storm Slams Upper Midwest with Heavy Snow and High Winds
A significant winter storm impacted the Upper Midwest, primarily Minnesota, from Saturday through Sunday. The storm brought heavy snowfall, strong winds, and difficult travel conditions across the region. It resulted in substantial snow accumulations, particularly in southern and southeastern Minnesota, and prompted widespread official responses including winter weather alerts, snow emergencies, and National Guard mobilization.
The storm resulted in significant snow accumulations across the region, particularly in southern and southeastern Minnesota, and led to official responses including winter weather alerts, snow emergencies, and National Guard mobilization.
Storm Progression and Conditions
Saturday's Onset and Intensification
The storm commenced on Saturday, with snow beginning later in the day, nearing sunset. Temperatures on Saturday were around 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall increased in coverage and intensity after 7 p.m. Saturday, with periods of heavy snow and potential thundersnow occurring overnight. Snowfall rates during the storm reached between 1 and 3 inches per hour.
Sunday's Heavy Snow and Lingering Winds
On Sunday, snow and blowing snow were forecast, with gusty winds and heavy snowfall. Snow was expected to diminish by Sunday evening and conclude by late Sunday, though blowing snow due to gusty winds was anticipated to persist into Monday. Wind gusts were projected to reach 30 to 50 mph. Monday was expected to bring colder temperatures, with difficult travel conditions continuing for some areas. A NEXT Weather Alert remained in effect until Monday overnight.
Record Snowfall Blankets Region
Heavy, wet snow was anticipated for southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area, extending into Wisconsin. Forecasts indicated 12 to 18 inches of snow across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, with some isolated locations in Wisconsin potentially exceeding 18 inches. Near Interstate 90, a mix of sleet and ice was possible overnight Saturday, which could have slightly reduced snow totals in those specific areas.
The National Weather Service reported that the heaviest snowfall occurred in southeastern Minnesota, with most areas in that region receiving approximately one foot of accumulation, including the southwest metropolitan area.
Specific reported accumulations included:
- Wabasha: approximately 20.5 inches
- Rochester: approximately 14 inches
- Prior Lake (near the Twin Cities): approximately 13.7 inches
- Maple Grove: 10 inches
- Eagan: 10 inches
- Bloomington: 9.5 inches
Northern and western parts of the state generally experienced less significant snowfall.
Travel Grinds to a Halt
Travel conditions were difficult, with the potential for white-out conditions and roads being completely covered in snow. The Minnesota Department of Transportation issued a no-travel advisory for southern Minnesota on Sunday morning. Travel was described as possibly impossible through Sunday afternoon, with potential impacts on Monday morning commutes.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport reported a number of flight cancellations for Saturday evening into Sunday, with airlines advising travelers to rebook.
Emergency Measures Activated
Most of Minnesota, excluding the far northern region, was under some form of winter weather alert during the storm.
Weather Alerts and Warnings
- A Winter Storm Warning was in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Monday for the Twin Cities metro area and much of southeastern and central Minnesota.
- A Blizzard Warning was issued for regions outside the Twin Cities metro, stretching across much of southwestern and south-central Minnesota, primarily for Sunday morning and afternoon.
National Guard Mobilized
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to support emergency operations. The National Guard was positioned in various locations in southern Minnesota, prepared for deployment for rescue operations.
Twin Cities Snow Emergencies
In the Twin Cities, Mayors Kaohly Her of St. Paul and Jacob Frey of Minneapolis announced snow emergencies, which were scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Sunday. Residents were encouraged to move vehicles on Saturday.
- Minneapolis offered free parking at the Salvation Army and the farmers market lot until Wednesday at 8 p.m. Parking Ramp A in downtown Minneapolis was scheduled to open on Sunday with a $1 charge.
- St. Paul offered free parking for residents at the Block 19 ramp downtown starting Saturday at 5 p.m., and at some city park lots as they became available. The city also announced that garbage pickup would be suspended on Monday.