Winter Weather Advisory Minnesota | Effective 03/12/2026 19:51

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM CDT FRIDAY... ...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO BRING HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS, GUSTY WINDS,AND SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL IMPACTS THIS WEEKEND... .Two rounds of wintry weather will occur over the next several days. Tonight into Friday morning will feature very strong winds and occasional snow across parts of central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, especially across the open areas of central Minnesota. A major winter storm will move across the Upper Midwest Saturday into Sunday. Model guidance continues to illustrate a remarkable precipitation footprint across the region which will yield heavy snow accumulations on the order of 6-10" across the Watch area. Localized totals across portions of southeastern MN and western WI will likely exceed 12". The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will reduce visibility and create periods of blizzard conditions on Sunday. Very hazardous travel conditions will develop as a result. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, blowing snow expected. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow likely. Total snow accumulations in excess of 6" likely, with localized amounts exceeding 12" across southern MN. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Stearns, Wright, Chippewa, Pope, Stevens, and Swift Counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 7 AM CDT Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.