Major Winter Storm To Slam Twin Cities Tonight: MN Weather

TWIN CITIES, MN — A powerful early spring storm is set to hit the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas Tuesday evening, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Wednesday for much of the metro, including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Carver, Scott, Chisago, Sibley, and Nicollet counties in Minnesota, as well as Polk County in Wisconsin.

The storm will begin with rain Tuesday afternoon before quickly transitioning to snow during the evening and overnight hours.

Snowfall totals of 4 to 7 inches are expected across the metro, with heavier amounts possible in some areas.

The biggest concern with this system is the wind, weather officials said.

Gusts of 45 to 55 mph will whip through the region overnight, creating whiteout conditions, particularly in open areas.

Even after the snowfall ends, blowing and drifting snow will continue to impact visibility well into Wednesday morning.

Travel Impacts

The timing of the storm could lead to treacherous conditions for commuters. Roads will likely become snow-covered and slippery by late Tuesday night, with the worst conditions expected overnight into Wednesday morning. Blowing snow will remain an issue into the afternoon, making travel difficult even after the snow stops falling.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas south of the metro, where conditions could be nearly impossible due to the combination of heavy snow and high winds.

What to Expect

• Rain changing to snow Tuesday evening
• 4 to 7 inches of snow across the metro
• Wind gusts up to 55 mph, leading to whiteout conditions
• Difficult travel, especially late Tuesday into Wednesday morning
• Snow gradually tapering off Wednesday afternoon, but blowing snow continuing

Conditions are expected to improve later in the day Wednesday as winds subside, but those with morning travel plans should prepare for delays and hazardous roads.

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

Today: Rain, mainly after 3pm. Temperature rising to near 45 by 11am, then falling to around 38 during the remainder of the day. Breezy, with a north northeast wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight: Rain, possibly mixed with snow and sleet before 8pm, then rain and snow between 8pm and 9pm, then snow after 9pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Patchy blowing snow after 9pm. 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 and sleet accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Wednesday: Snow, mainly before 10am. Areas of blowing snow. High near 31. Blustery, with a north wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 19. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 39. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. West 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: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of snow after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. West wind around 10 mph.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 50. South wind around 10 mph.