Blizzard Warning Issued for Redwood County, Minnesota; Life-Threatening Travel Conditions Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN has issued a Blizzard Warning for Redwood County. This follows an initial Winter Storm Warning as a powerful winter storm moves across the Upper Midwest, bringing extreme snow accumulations and dangerous winds.

Affected Areas

This alert specifically impacts Redwood County in Minnesota.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised that travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If travel is absolutely necessary, you must carry a winter survival kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle to remain safe. For the latest road conditions, call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org. Prepare for potential road closures and be ready to shelter in place as conditions worsen. Note that if interstate highways are closed, state and county roads will also be impassable.

Expected Conditions

The storm will occur in two primary phases:

• Winter Storm Phase: Expect heavy mixed precipitation including 4 to 7 inches of snow, approximately one-third of an inch of sleet, and one-tenth of an inch of ice. Winds will gust as high as 40 mph.
• Blizzard Phase: Conditions will transition to a blizzard with an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 50 mph.

Whiteout conditions are expected, which will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. The heavy water content of the snow may lead to infrastructure damage and poses a health hazard for those attempting to shovel it.

Timeline

• Winter Storm Warning: In effect from 7:00 PM Saturday evening until 10:00 AM CDT Sunday.
• Blizzard Warning: In effect from 10:00 AM Sunday until 4:00 AM CDT Monday.