Minnesota residents are bracing for a weather onslaught as a major winter storm barrels towards the region, promising to deliver heavy snowfall and treacherous travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, indicating that a "heavy wet snow" accumulation of 5 to 9 inches, along with wind gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph, is anticipated for the Twin Cities metro area from Sunday morning through early Monday.
The snowfall, according to forecasts, is expected to be intense, with snow accumulation rates likely hitting 1 inch per hour and potentially reaching 2 inches per hour in certain areas. Visibility could be significantly reduced, making travel "very difficult." The NWS warns to prepare to "quickly alter your plans," as conditions are projected to deteriorate rapidly during the day. This heavy precipitation poses a threat not just due to the volumes of snow expected but the high winds that could quickly render roads impassable.
Our long awaited winter storm is on our doorstep with the 1st wave of light snow moving across the area this morning. Conditions will deteroriate rapidly by late this morning. Snowfall rates of 1"/hr are expected across S/E MN & W WI this evening. Details https://t.co/OS2u4brFmw pic.twitter.com/tnJ2zyR4N1
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) March 24, 2024
The hazardous weather conditions are not limited to today and tonight. The Weather Outlook also cautions that "snow, rain, and freezing rain will continue through the day Monday before changing back over to light snow overnight through early Tuesday." The coming days will challenge the mettle of Minnesotans as the storm system extends its reach, bringing robust northwest winds with gusts up to 35-40 mph by Tuesday.
It's not just Minnesotans who are getting hit by this weather pattern. The outlook includes central and southern Minnesota, as well as parts of west-central Wisconsin—suggesting a large swath of the Upper Midwest needs to prepare for the storm's impact. Motorists are advised to have "an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency." With conditions possibly turning to rain or wintry mix overnight in the southern and eastern parts of the state, the potential for ice adds yet another layer of hazard to an already concerning situation.
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds promises to create hazardous conditions, urging residents to remain vigilant and heed local advisories. For the most current road conditions and updates on this developing winter storm, the public is encouraged to visit official weather service websites or call local hotlines.
