Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings issued for Twin Cities metro area

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It’s that time of the year again when fans from all over the Upper Midwest converge on St. Paul for the Minnesota state boys hockey tournament. Travelers will once again need to face off with Mother Nature when it comes to the forecast. 

This year’s tournament weather seems to be giving out a hat trick of its own, with a trio of widespread rain, gusty winds, and accumulating snow all in the mix! Blizzard and winter storm watches have been issued for parts of the eastern and southeastern metro area.

Light rain showers will spread across the area Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night, transitioning to all snow by early Wednesday morning. Snowfall rates could be intense, with 1 to 1.5 inches per hour possible. 

Combined with winds of 40 to 50 mph, we’re looking at near whiteout or blizzard conditions by Wednesday morning.

In typical March fashion, the snow will be wet and heavy. Snow totals are expected to range from just a few inches to more than 6 inches in southeastern Minnesota. 

It looks like Mother Nature will be serving time in the penalty box this year with all the wild weather. It’s shaping up to be a battle both on and off the ice!

For many, it seems like a recurring theme to have a snowstorm during the state hockey tournament. Let’s take a look at the weather over the past five years of the tournament.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

It’s that time of the year again when fans from all over the Upper Midwest converge on St. Paul for the Minnesota state boys hockey tournament. Travelers will once again need to face off with Mother Nature when it comes to the forecast. 


The exterior of the Xcel Energy Center lit up at night.

KARE 11

National Weather Service

Forecast precipitation Tuesday morning through noon Wednesday

Another classic 'tournament snowstorm' slapshots into the Midwest

Go Deeper.

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