Winter Storm Warning: When Twin Cities Residents Should, And Should Not, Travel For Thanksgiving

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — With 4 to 6 inches of snow expected in the Twin Cities and winds gusting up to 45 mph, the National Weather Service is urging Thanksgiving travelers to plan carefully and avoid the worst of the storm Tuesday night.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for most of the metro from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Wednesday.

That covers the exact period when travel conditions are expected to be "hazardous to impossible" due to heavy snow, blowing snow, and near-blizzard conditions.

Here is a breakdown of when you should and should NOT hit the road, based on NWS timing maps and severity guidance.

Best Time To Leave: Tuesday Morning to Early Afternoon (Before 3 p.m.)

• Roads will be wet, but not snowy.
• Winds are still manageable.
• Visibility issues are limited mainly to morning fog.
• NWS onset map shows snow reaching the Twin Cities around 10 p.m., giving a wide safe window earlier in the day.

If you need to get out of town, this is your best shot.

Possible, But Risky: Late Afternoon to Early Evening (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

• Rain continues, but temperatures begin to fall.
• Stronger winds start developing.
• Travel is still doable, but conditions will worsen quickly.
• Leaving during this window means you’re racing the storm and you may not beat it, depending on direction.

If you must travel during this time, leave as early as possible.

Do NOT Travel: Tuesday Night (7 p.m. to Early Wednesday Morning)

This is when:

• Heavy snow begins (10 p.m.–12 a.m.)
• Wind gusts reach 40–45 mph
• Visibility may drop to a quarter-mile or less
• NWS warns of near-blizzard or blizzard-like conditions
• Snowfall rates could hit 1 inch per hour
• Blowing and drifting snow will make highways slippery and unpredictable

Improving But Still Hazardous: Wednesday Morning (5 a.m. to Noon)

• Snow tapers early, but blowing snow continues.
• Gusts remain between 30–40 mph, especially east of the metro.
• Roads will be plowed but still slick.
• Expect lingering delays and reduced visibility.

If you travel Wednesday morning, give yourself extra time and expect slow-going roads.

READ MORE: 4 To 6 Inches Expected In Twin Cities As Snow Totals Increase, 'Blizzard Conditions' Possible: MN Weather