Winter storm warnings continue in northern Minnesota 

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A powerful winter storm is set to slam the Twin Cities this weekend, prompting blizzard warnings for parts of central and southern Minnesota as heavy snow and wind gusts over 50 mph threaten dangerous travel.

Blizzard warning issued as powerful winter storm targets Minnesota and Wisconsin

A historic and powerful winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds this weekend has been upgraded to a blizzard warning, bringing the potential for extremely dangerous travel conditions.

Here’s the latest from the National Weather Service on this potent storm system: 

The latest projected snowfall totals continue to show a heavy swath of snow from central and eastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin. Many areas could receive around a foot of new snow, with localized pockets potentially nearing two feet.

As the storm strengthens overnight Saturday, snowfall rates are expected to intensify across parts of the region. Bands of heavy snow could produce two to three inches per hour late Saturday night into early Sunday, with the heaviest snow bands expected after 10 p.m. and continuing into the early morning hours Sunday.

These intense bursts of snow will likely lead to rapidly deteriorating road conditions and sharply reduced visibility, especially as strong winds begin to develop. In some locations, thunder and lightning may accompany the heaviest snow bands. Forecast models indicate wind gusts could exceed 50 mph across southern Minnesota.

The National Weather Service is warning about the dangers of traveling during the storm and the health risks associated with shoveling heavy snow:

Snowfall is expected to continue through Sunday before tapering from west to east, lingering in western Wisconsin into early Monday.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Minnesota March snow storm: Live weather updates

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

A powerful winter storm is set to slam the Twin Cities this weekend, prompting blizzard warnings for parts of central and southern Minnesota as heavy snow and wind gusts over 50 mph threaten dangerous travel.


National Weather Service

Forecast precipitation Saturday 5 p.m. to Sunday 5 p.m. 

NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Wind speed and direction for Saturday 7 p.m. to Sunday 5 p.m. 

Blizzard warnings upgraded as major snowstorm targets the Twin Cities

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