Minneapolis residents are bracing for a major winter storm set to arrive this evening and continue through Wednesday, according to National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN. Beginning with rain after 2 p.m. today, conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly as temperatures fall and the precipitation shifts to snow and sleet later in the evening.
Travel disruptions are highly probable as the snow could be heavy at times, with new accumulations of 3 to 5 inches anticipated overnight. With temperatures dropping to a low around 27 degrees, strong north winds reaching 20 to 25 mph and gusting up to 40 mph will likely cause blowing and drifting snow, creating treacherous conditions. "A Blizzard across south central and southeast MN tonight into Wednesday" has been forecasted by the National Weather Service, with strong wind gusts that could reach as high as 55 mph along the I-90 corridor in south central Minnesota.
The winter storm is not just bringing snow to the Minneapolis area but also across several counties in Minnesota as well as parts of Wisconsin, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 7 PM this evening to 3 PM CST Wednesday. The warning outlines expected snowfall of 4 to 7 inches, coupled with wind gusts up to 50 mph, leading to significant visibility reductions and potentially downed tree branches.
As the storm progresses, even after the falling snow ends, lingering blowing snow could maintain reduced visibility, especially in open areas. Coming down some on Wednesday, gusts up to 45 mph are still expected across Minnesota, which will compound logistical challenges, particularly for the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. The National Weather Service advises residents to plan on slippery road conditions and to carry emergency supplies if travel is necessary. Conditions are forecasted to improve later Wednesday as the snow ends and winds slowly decrease.
