Blizzard Warning Issued for Central Minnesota Counties Through Monday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN has issued a Blizzard Warning (VTEC code: BZW) for several counties in central Minnesota. This alert is part of a historic March winter storm expected to bring extreme snow accumulations and strong winds to the Upper Midwest.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following Minnesota counties:

• Douglas
• Todd
• Morrison
• Mille Lacs
• Kanabec

Expected Conditions

Residents in the warned area should prepare for the following hazards:

• Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches are expected within the warning area.
• Wind Speeds: Northwest winds will increase on Sunday, with gusts reaching as high as 45 mph during the afternoon and evening.
• Visibility: Widespread blowing snow is expected to significantly reduce visibility, creating blizzard conditions.
• Infrastructure: The heavy water content of the snow may lead to infrastructure damage and downed tree branches. The weight of the snowpack may also present a health hazard for those shoveling.

Timeline

The Blizzard Warning is in effect from 10:00 PM CDT Saturday, March 14, until 4:00 AM CDT Monday, March 16. Travel is expected to become very difficult or impossible starting late Saturday night through Sunday evening as the storm moves through the region.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service advises the following safety measures:

• Restrict Travel: Travel should be limited to emergencies only.
• Survival Kits: If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
• Stay with Vehicle: If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle to remain safe and visible to rescuers.
• Monitor Conditions: Check road conditions by calling 5-1-1 or visiting 511mn.org.