Blizzard Warnings In Effect For SE Minnesota And NE Iowa On Sunday

Blizzard warnings have been issued for southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa, with severe weather conditions expected to create hazardous travel conditions across the region.

According to weather authorities, blizzard warnings will take effect at 10 a.m. on Sunday and remain in place until early Monday morning.

Anadolu Agency

These warnings come after winter storm warnings were in effect from Saturday night through Sunday morning due to potential icing.

The National Weather Service reports that freezing rain, sleet, and rain/snow mix are possible Saturday night into Sunday morning, with ice accumulations ranging from a trace to 0.20 inches along and south of the I-90 corridor.

As the storm intensifies, snowfall rates could reach as high as 1-3 inches per hour, combined with wind gusts of 30-50 mph that will create near whiteout conditions in rural areas.

Significant snowfall accumulations are expected across the region, with varying totals depending on location.

Weather forecasts indicate that the Highway 14 corridor could receive 6-10 inches of snow with a light glaze of ice beforehand.

KTTC

Areas farther north, including Goodhue and Wabasha counties, may see up to 12 inches of snowfall.

The Twin Cities metro area is projected to receive around 12-15 inches of snow, while areas south of I-90, primarily in northeastern Iowa, could see 3-8 inches with additional ice expected Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Actual snowfall reports already show around a foot of snow in the Rochester area, with 14 to 17 inches recorded in a band from Oronoco to Millville to Lake City and Kellogg.

Travel conditions are expected to become extremely dangerous, with highway and interstate travel potentially becoming very difficult or even impossible at times.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports that blowing snow and strong winds are creating blizzard conditions and making travel difficult across south-central Minnesota.

Although no road closures were planned as of Sunday morning, MnDOT offices remain prepared for interstate and highway closures if necessary.

South Dakota transportation officials have already reported closures, including Interstate 29 between Sioux Falls and the North Dakota state line, and Interstate 90 between Sioux Falls and Wall.

Authorities are strongly advising against travel, with the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office warning that road crews being out doesn't mean it's safe to travel.

The blizzard has already caused significant transportation disruptions across the region.

Minnesota State Patrol reported more than 250 crashes and spinouts across the state from midnight through 10 p.m. Saturday, with an additional 200 crashes and spinouts recorded from midnight through 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

Anadolu Agency

These figures only include state and federal highways and do not account for city and county roads.

At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a majority of scheduled flights have been canceled, with close to 700 canceled arrivals or departures reported as of early Sunday morning.

Only about 230 flights were still listed as running on time.

In the Twin Cities, Metro Transit buses and trains are operating but experiencing delays, with about a quarter to half of bus routes running behind schedule by an average of 5 minutes.

Blue Line light rail trains are also experiencing some delays.

Local authorities have implemented emergency measures to address the blizzard conditions.

Snow emergency parking rules are now in effect in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several other communities across the state.

KTTC

The city of Rochester and surrounding areas are asking people to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.

While snow emergency declarations have been made, the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office emphasized that road crews being active doesn't guarantee safe travel conditions.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation continues to monitor road conditions across the southern two-thirds of the state, including freeways in the Twin Cities metro area, and is prepared to implement closures if conditions deteriorate further.

Authorities are urging residents to stay weather aware and avoid travel if conditions worsen throughout Sunday afternoon and evening.