Winter Storm Warning Issued for West Otter Tail, East Otter Tail, Wadena, and Grant Counties

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · West Central Minnesota

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of Minnesota, with heavy snow and blowing snow expected to make travel dangerous through Sunday evening.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Winter Storm Warning for several counties in Minnesota. The alert is currently in effect and remains active until 7:00 PM CDT on Sunday, March 15.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

  • West Otter Tail County
  • East Otter Tail County
  • Wadena County
  • Grant County

Expected Conditions

Residents should prepare for heavy snow and widespread blowing snow. Specific conditions include:

  • Snow Accumulation: Additional accumulations between 2 and 4 inches are expected.
  • Wind: Wind gusts are forecast to reach as high as 40 mph.
  • Visibility: Near blizzard conditions are possible due to blowing snow.
  • Drifting: Significant snow drifting is expected, particularly in open country, which may make travel potentially impossible.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service advises that travel should be delayed if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary:

  • Drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
  • Maintain a safe distance from other motorists and allow extra travel time.
  • Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, especially on hills or when making turns.
  • Keep a winter storm kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, food, water, tire chains, booster cables, a shovel, blankets, and extra clothing.
  • Check the latest road conditions by calling 5 1 1.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 7:00 PM CDT on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Source: NOAA Official Notice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this weather alerts alert about?
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of Minnesota, with heavy snow and blowing snow expected to make travel dangerous through Sunday evening.
Which agency issued this alert?
This alert was issued by NOAA. The original notice is available at the source link at the bottom of this article.
How severe is this alert?
This alert is classified as "high" severity. Take precautions and monitor for updates.
What area is affected?
This alert affects West Central Minnesota. Check with NOAA for the most current geographic scope.
Where can I find more weather alerts alerts?
Browse all weather alerts alerts on Areazine at areazine.com/weather/ for the latest updates from NOAA and other agencies.