A significant winter storm is continuing to pound Minnesota Today, dropping heavy snow across much of the state while strong winds push visibility to dangerous lows in some areas. A blizzard warning remains in effect, and snow is expected to keep falling well into the afternoon and evening hours before tapering off from northwest to southeast.
Snowfall rates reach up to 3 inches an hour
The storm arrived overnight and intensified through the early morning hours. Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour were possible through mid-morning Today, according to forecasters, with heavy accumulation concentrated across southern Minnesota. The system is expected to expand into western Wisconsin as the day progresses.
Winds are forecast to increase throughout the afternoon, bringing widespread blowing and drifting snow that will compound already difficult travel conditions. Whiteout conditions have already been reported in some parts of the state, making road travel not just slow but genuinely dangerous in affected areas.
Where snow totals stand this morning
Snowfall reports from early today showed a wide range of accumulation across the Minnesota region, with some communities in Wisconsin recording the heaviest totals. Montana, Wisconsin topped the list at 14.9 inches, followed closely by Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin at 14 inches and Oronoco, Minnesota matching that figure exactly.
Red Wing recorded 11 inches, while Apple Valley came in at 10.5 inches. Elko New Market and Savage each picked up 9.5 inches. Further south, Waseca recorded 8.3 inches and Lonsdale came in at 8 inches.
In the eastern metro, Hastings reported 7.8 inches and Woodbury logged 7 inches. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport recorded 7.3 inches as of the morning count. Dennison came in at 7.2 inches and Montrose at 6.9 inches. Faribault reached 6.5 inches, while Coon Rapids and Byron recorded 5.6 and 5.5 inches respectively.
These figures reflect early morning reports and are expected to climb throughout the day as snow continues to fall across the region.
Roads remain a serious concern
Minnesota roads are bearing the full weight of the storm. Heavy snow combined with strong winds has created covered and slick conditions across much of the state, with visibility severely reduced in the hardest-hit areas. Drivers venturing out are encountering conditions that go beyond the typical winter inconvenience, with some stretches approaching true whiteout territory.
Forecasters advise that conditions will not meaningfully improve until snow begins to taper off, a process that is not expected to begin until Sunday afternoon at the earliest in northwestern parts of the state, with southeastern areas seeing the storm linger into the evening.
What to expect for the rest of Toay
The core message from forecasters is that Today will remain a difficult day across the region. Snow is not done falling, winds are expected to intensify before they ease, and road conditions will remain hazardous well into the afternoon. Those without a pressing reason to travel are advised to stay put until the storm fully clears their area.
