'Life-Threatening' Blizzard Conditions Begin: Town-By-Town Snow Totals Across MN, WI

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Blizzard conditions have begun across parts of Minnesota, and travel is expected to become dangerous to "potentially life-threatening" through early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say steady snow, rapidly strengthening winds, and falling temperatures are combining to create whiteout conditions in open areas, particularly across southern and western Minnesota.

Northwest winds are expected to gust 45 to 55 mph through tonight, producing widespread blowing and drifting snow even after snowfall rates ease.

A Blizzard Warning is in effect west of a line from Long Prairie to St. Cloud, the southwest Twin Cities metro, and Albert Lea, while a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the rest of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin through 9 a.m. Monday.

Snowfall totals have increased overnight, with heavier amounts expanding farther west.

Below is a town-by-town look at expected snowfall, based on the latest NWS probability guidance.

Ranges reflect low-end to high-end outcomes, with the “expected” amount representing the most likely total.

Twin Cities Metro

Minneapolis and the broader Twin Cities metro are expected to receive 9 to 10 inches of snow, with localized totals up to 12 inches possible. Confidence is very high that most locations will see at least 6 inches, with widespread blowing snow expected to significantly reduce visibility.

East-Central Minnesota

Cambridge: 9 inches expected, range 5 to 13 inches.
Hinckley: 8 inches expected, with totals up to 12 inches possible.
St. Cloud: 9 inches expected, range 3 to 11 inches.
Little Falls: 7 inches expected, totals up to 9 inches.

Southern Minnesota

Faribault: 8 inches expected, range 4 to 12 inches.
Mankato: 8 inches expected, with localized totals near 12 inches.
Albert Lea: 7 inches expected, range 2 to 9 inches.
Rochester: 7 inches expected, range 3 to 12 inches.
Fairmont: 5 inches expected, totals up to 9 inches.

Western Minnesota

Willmar: 8 inches expected, though totals could vary widely depending on storm placement.
Alexandria: 7 inches expected, totals up to 9 inches.
Morris: 6 inches expected, range 1 to 8 inches.
Marshall: 3 inches expected, totals up to 7 inches.
Worthington: 2 inches expected, with a sharp cutoff farther west.

Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin

Red Wing: 9 inches expected, totals up to 13 inches possible.
St. Croix Falls, WI: 11 inches expected, range 6 to 13 inches.
River Falls, WI: 11 inches expected, totals up to 13 inches.
New Richmond, WI: 10 inches expected, range 6 to 13 inches.
Eau Claire, WI: 9 inches expected, totals up to 13 inches.

Northern Wisconsin

Hayward: 9 inches expected, range 6 to 14 inches.
Ladysmith: 9 inches expected, totals up to 12 inches.
Rice Lake: 10 inches expected, range 5 to 12 inches.

The NWS emphasizes that impacts will be driven as much by wind as snow. Blizzard conditions are expected in open areas, with near-zero visibility at times. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches and power lines.

Temperatures are expected to fall sharply behind a cold front Sunday morning, with wind chills dropping to -15 to -25 by Monday morning. Hazardous travel conditions are expected to persist into the Monday morning commute.

Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. Those who must travel are advised to carry emergency supplies and check road conditions frequently. In Minnesota, visit 511mn.org or call 511. In Wisconsin, visit 511wi.gov or call 511.

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

Today: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow, mainly after 1pm. Temperature falling to around 17 by 5pm. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Tonight: Snow, mainly before 2am. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow, mainly before midnight. Low around 6. Wind chill values as low as -11. Blustery, with a northwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches possible.

Monday: Patchy blowing snow before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 11. Wind chill values as low as -14. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 2. Wind chill values as low as -12. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday
A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 18. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 2. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

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

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 1. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 18. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 9. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon.