A powerful winter storm is sweeping through Minnesota, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds that will significantly impact travel conditions throughout the weekend and into Monday. The storm has prompted a NEXT Weather Alert from WCCO, with blizzard warnings in effect for central Minnesota until 6 a.m. on Monday and winter storm warnings across eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin from Sunday noon until Monday morning. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected, creating near-blizzard conditions and making travel extremely challenging, especially along and east of Interstate 35, where the heaviest snow is forecast. By Monday morning, a large portion of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, could accumulate up to 8 inches of snow, while areas to the southwest and north will receive less. Temperatures are predicted to drop from the 30s in the morning to the 10s by evening, adding to the wintry conditions. As the storm unfolds, several cities have declared snow emergencies, including Eden Prairie, Hopkins, St. James, St. Louis Park, New Hope, Northfield, and West St. Paul. The Minnesota State Patrol has reported numerous crashes, with 179 property damage incidents, 163 vehicles stranded, 12 injury crashes, five spinouts, and seven jackknifed semis between midnight and 1:30 p.m. alone. Power outages are also affecting the metro area, with nearly 2,500 people in the Twin Cities without electricity. The storm has caused significant disruptions at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, with 197 delays and 60 cancellations as of 11:30 a.m. Additionally, Interstate 35 in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa has been closed due to multiple crashes, and Trollhaugen ski area in Wisconsin has temporarily closed due to a power outage. As the storm continues, residents and travelers are advised to exercise caution and monitor updates on road conditions, travel advisories, and weather alerts to stay informed and safe.
