10 Inches Of Snow Now Possible In Twin Cities Metro: MN Weather

MINNEAPOLIS — The Twin Cities metro area and much of Minnesota is bracing for a "ferocious" winter storm set to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions beginning this evening, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm warning is in effect from 7 p.m. tonight through 3 p.m. Wednesday for the metro area, with 6 to 10 inches of snow expected and wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph.

Fast-Moving System to Create Whiteout Conditions

The storm is already impacting parts of the Upper Midwest, with rain transitioning to snow from west to east across the region.

In the Twin Cities, this changeover is expected to occur this evening, bringing intense snowfall rates and near-blizzard conditions overnight.

As winds intensify, significant blowing and drifting snow will make travel extremely dangerous, especially in open areas. Visibility may drop to near zero at times, particularly between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Even after snowfall ends, blowing and drifting snow could continue to create travel hazards through midday Wednesday.

Major Travel Impacts for Twin Cities Commuters

With the worst conditions expected overnight into Wednesday morning, both the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes could be severely impacted. Road conditions will rapidly deteriorate as snow accumulates, and high winds could bring down tree branches or cause power outages in some areas.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is essential, drivers should carry an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, and water in case they become stranded. Minnesota road conditions can be checked at 511mn.org.

Storm Breakdown for the Twin Cities Metro

• Timing: Rain transitions to snow this evening, with heaviest snow overnight into Wednesday morning.
• Snowfall: 5 to 9 inches expected in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs.
• Winds: Gusts up to 45 mph, creating blizzard-like conditions and near-zero visibility.
• Impact: Hazardous travel, potential power outages, and tree damage.
• When Conditions Improve: Snow tapers off Wednesday afternoon, but blowing snow could continue to cause problems.

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport:

This Afternoon: Rain. Steady temperature around 41. Breezy, with a north northeast wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight: Snow, possibly mixed with rain, becoming all snow after 9pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow after 10pm. Low around 27. Windy, with a north wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Wednesday: Snow, mainly before 10am. Areas of blowing snow. High near 34. Windy, with a north wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 17. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 38. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 37. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 51. South southwest wind around 10 mph.