Phase 2 Of Massive Storm To Bring More Snow, Dangerous Winds To MN

Parts of the Twin Cities metro had already received a foot of snow as of Sunday morning, but there’s more accumulation and dangerous winds still to come as the storm transitions to its second phase, forecasters said.

“Phase 1 of the storm produced 7-10" of snow in the Twin Cities metro, with it really slamming north of Rochester over to Wausau with 12-17" of snow,” according to the NWS Twin Cities X account. “Phase 2 extends back to central SD and will last most of the day, road conditions aren't great!”

As of shortly before 11 a.m., Prior Lake had received 13.7 inches of snow, according to snowfall reports published by the National Weather Service, with 11.9 inches recorded in Apple Valley as of 10:30 a.m. In southwest Minneapolis and Oakdale, 8.5 inches was reported around 9:30 a.m.

A blizzard warning remained in effect until 4 a.m. Monday.

“Travel conditions will continue to deteriorate today,” the weather service reported in an urgent winter weather message for the Twin Cities on Sunday morning.

“Despite the snow tapering off gradually this afternoon, northwest winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph. Some gusts near 60 mph are expected across the Minnesota River Valley. The combination of falling snow, blowing snow, and gusty winds will reduce visibility and create blizzard conditions into tonight.”

Wind gusts could also down tree branches, according to the weather service.

“Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,” the winter weather message said. “If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”

As of Sunday afternoon, travel was not advised on most major roads in southern Minnesota, according to the weather service.

Interstate 35 southbound at Albert Lea was expected to close by 3 p.m. in conjunction with plans to close the roadway in Iowa, according to Minnesota Department of Transportation District 6.

"We will keep it closed until it reopens in Iowa," the district said Sunday morning in a post on X. "No travel is advised on southeast Minnesota state highways."

Nearly 700 flights were canceled Sunday out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, FlightAware reported, and snow emergencies and their respective parking restrictions were announced for Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Gov. Tim Walz authorized the National Guard to provide support throughout the storm ahead of its arrival.