10 Inches Of Snow Possible In Twin Cities As Winter Storm Looms

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A potent winter storm is expected to move into Minnesota on Sunday, bringing accumulating snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions that could last into Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say parts of the Twin Cities metro could receive 5 to 10 inches of snow between Sunday morning and early Monday, with snow becoming heavy at times Sunday afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to increase late Sunday, with gusts approaching 40 mph, which could further reduce visibility and make travel difficult.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Twin Cities and much of central, southern, and eastern Minnesota, as well as portions of western Wisconsin, from Sunday morning through Monday morning.

While the highest snowfall totals are expected across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, areas farther west and south in Minnesota may face the most dangerous conditions. In those regions, lower snow totals combined with strong northwest winds could lead to blowing and drifting snow and possible blizzard conditions, the NWS said.

Snow is expected to develop across western and southern Minnesota early Sunday, while parts of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin may start as rain before changing to snow as temperatures fall during the day.

he storm is forecast to intensify Sunday evening as winds strengthen and colder air moves in behind a cold front.

Travel impacts are expected to be significant Sunday afternoon through Sunday night, with conditions potentially remaining hazardous for the Monday morning commute. Whiteout conditions are possible in areas where blowing snow becomes severe.

Temperatures are expected to drop sharply late Sunday and Sunday night. By Monday morning, wind chills could fall to between minus 15 and minus 25 degrees in parts of the region.

The NWS urges residents to monitor forecast updates closely and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Travelers are advised to consider altering plans if conditions worsen.

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

Today: Areas of fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 43. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight: A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 5am. Patchy fog before 1am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 28. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Sunday: Rain and snow before 10am, then snow and freezing rain between 10am and 11am, then snow after 11am. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow, mainly after 4pm. Temperature falling to around 16 by 5pm. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Sunday Night: Snow, mainly before 3am. Areas of blowing snow. Low around 8. Wind chill values as low as -11. Blustery, with a northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Patchy blowing snow before noon. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 12. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 2. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west southwest after midnight.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 16. North northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around -3. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

New Year's Day: Sunny and cold, with a high near 5. West northwest wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around -7. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 12. West wind 5 to 10 mph.