A dangerous winter storm has descended upon Minnesota, creating hazardous travel conditions just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The state is experiencing significant blowing snow that is expected to continue through Wednesday's commute, making roads partially to completely snow-covered across various regions.
Storm Intensifies Across Western Minnesota
According to weather authorities, rain transitioned to snow this afternoon across western Minnesota, marking the beginning of severe weather conditions. The combination of falling snow and strong northwesterly winds gusting between 40-45 mph is creating extremely difficult travel conditions for residents and holiday travelers alike.
Meteorologists have warned about the possibility of whiteout conditions occurring for brief periods tonight, particularly under the heaviest snowfall rates and gusty winds. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across multiple counties.
Affected Areas and Timelines
The winter storm warning covers numerous counties with varying timelines. Until 9 AM CST, the affected areas in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Scott, Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Watonwan, Dakota, Ramsey, Washington, Rice, Steele, and Waseca Counties. In Wisconsin, Polk County, Kanabec County, Barron, Rusk, and St. Croix Counties are under alert.
Pine County remains under warning until 6 PM CST this evening, including the Tribal Lands of the Mille Lacs Band, Hinckley and Lena Lake areas. Carlton, South and Central St. Louis, Cook and Lake Counties face warnings until midnight CST tonight, affecting Tribal Lands of the Bois Forte Band, Lake Vermilion area, the Grand Portage Reservation and the Fond du Lac Band, plus the Boundary Waters eastern and central areas.
Portions of central and west central Michigan are under alert until 7 PM EST Thursday, with heavy snow expected and total accumulations between 3 and 8 inches.
School Closures and Travel Impact
The severe weather has prompted numerous school closures across the region. According to reports, multiple school districts have suspended operations due to the dangerous conditions. Affected institutions include Harbon Montessori, King of Kings Lutheran, Lac Qui Parle Valley Schools, Lakeview Schools, LaPorte District, Menahga District, N.R.H.E.G, Nevis District, Pine River-Backus District, Redwood Area School District, Sartell District, Spectrum High School, United South Central District, and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Schools.
Forecast for Wisconsin indicates total snow accumulations between 3 and 8 inches possible, with the highest amounts across the northern portion of each county. Oneida, Florence, and Forest Counties are expected to see significant impact from the storm system.
The National Weather Service indicates that widespread light snow will wind down from west to east this morning across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. However, additional accumulation of around an inch is possible, and strong northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph will continue to lead to blowing snow, maintaining hazardous conditions throughout the day.
