Alert archive / Minnesota / Blizzard Warnings in 2026
Blizzard Warning 2, NWS Twin Cities, MN
NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this blizzard warning at Jan 21, 2026, 10:14 AM CST for 7 counties in Minnesota. It took effect at Jan 21, 2026, 1:00 PM CST. It was in force for 5 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named.
The facts
- Issued
- Jan 21, 2026, 10:14 AM CST (16:14 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jan 21, 2026, 1:00 PM CST
- Expired
- Jan 21, 2026, 5:54 PM CST
- In force
- 5 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Twin Cities, MN
Counties Blue Earth County, MN, Brown County, MN, Faribault County, MN, Freeborn County, MN, Martin County, MN, Redwood County, MN, Watonwan County, MN
The radar
The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 118 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 16:14 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
The nearest sounding before it
Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 4.2 hours before the alert went out and 116 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 794 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 48 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 84 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 104 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
038 WWUS43 KMPX 211614 WSWMPX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 1014 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...STRONG WINDS TO RESULT IN BLIZZARD CONDITION IN SOUTHWEST TO SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA... .A round of light and fluffy snow will move through the region today, resulting in minor accumulations of an inch or two. Winds increasing this afternoon as the snow is ending will result in blowing snow and reduced visibility, with Blizzard conditions expected from Redwood County, southeast to Freeborn county in southwest and south central Minnesota. A Winter Weather Advisory surrounds the Blizzard Warning from west central through the rest of south central Minnesota, where blowing snow will result in occasional blizzard conditions in open areas this afternoon. MNZ073-074-082-083-091>093-220100- /O.UPG.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-260122T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KMPX.BZ.W.0002.260121T1900Z-260122T0100Z/ Redwood-Brown-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn- Including the cities of Blue Earth, Redwood Falls, Fairmont, St James, Albert Lea, New Ulm, and Mankato 1014 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations up to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Southwest Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Freeborn, Martin, Watonwan, and Redwood Counties. * WHEN...1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. && $$ MNZ057-065-067-075-076-084-085-220000- /O.EXA.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-260122T0000Z/ Kandiyohi-Renville-Sibley-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Waseca-Steele- Including the cities of Owatonna, St Peter, Le Sueur, Olivia, Waseca, Gaylord, and Willmar 1014 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Snow accumulations of one to two inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph resulting in reduced visibilities from blowing snow. * WHERE...Kandiyohi, Renville, Sibley, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Steele, and Waseca Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. && $$ MNZ047-054>056-064-220000- /O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-260122T0000Z/ Stevens-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Yellow Medicine- Including the cities of Benson, Granite Falls, Montevideo, Morris, and Madison 1014 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Snow accumulations of one to two inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph resulting in reduced visibilities from blowing snow. * WHERE...Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle, Stevens, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. && $$ MPG
2 follow-up statements
219 WWUS43 KMPX 212145 WSWMPX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 345 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...STRONG WINDS CREATING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS IN SOUTHWEST TO SOUTHCENTRAL MINNESOTA... ...SLOW & ICY EVENING COMMUTE EXPECTED... .A round of light and fluffy snow continues to move through the region, resulting in minor accumulations of an inch or two. Winds increasing this afternoon as the snow ends will result in blowing snow and reduced visibility, with Blizzard conditions expected from Redwood County, southeast to Freeborn county in southwest and south central Minnesota. A Winter Weather Advisory extends northwards from the Blizzard Warning into central Minnesota, where blowing snow will result in occasional blizzard conditions in open areas this afternoon. Aditonally, very slick roads are possible during the evening commute, as the light accumulated snow freezes onto untreated roads & surfaces. Plan on a slow & messy drive this evening. MNZ073-074-082-083-091>093-220100- /O.CON.KMPX.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260122T0100Z/ Redwood-Brown-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn- Including the cities of Mankato, Fairmont, St James, Redwood Falls, New Ulm, Blue Earth, and Albert Lea 345 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Freeborn, Martin, Watonwan, and Redwood Counties. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. && $$ MNZ048-049-051>053-058>063-066-068>070-077-220200- /O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-260122T0200Z/ Pope-Stearns-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka- Ramsey-Washington-McLeod-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Rice- Including the cities of Faribault, Minneapolis, Cambridge, Blaine, Chanhassen, Hutchinson, Shakopee, St Cloud, Center City, Stillwater, Chaska, Victoria, Litchfield, Glenwood, Monticello, Elk River, St Paul, and Hastings 345 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, and west central Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury. && $$ MNZ047-054>057-064-065-067-075-076-084-085-220200- /O.EXT.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-260122T0200Z/ Stevens-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Yellow Medicine- Renville-Sibley-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Waseca-Steele- Including the cities of Montevideo, Olivia, Le Sueur, Benson, Waseca, Granite Falls, St Peter, Gaylord, Madison, Morris, Willmar, and Owatonna 345 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Kandiyohi, Renville, Sibley, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Steele, Waseca, Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle, Stevens, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury. && $$ ETA
753 WWUS43 KMPX 212354 WSWMPX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 554 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW AND SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS WILL CREATE LOW VISIBILITY AND SLICK ROADS INTO THIS EVENING... .The threat for blizzard conditions has ended across southern Minnesota. Reduced visibility and slick roads from areas of blowing & snow & scattered snow showers will continue into this evening. MNZ073-074-082-083-091>093-220200- /O.CAN.KMPX.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260122T0100Z/ /O.EXA.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-260122T0200Z/ Redwood-Brown-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn- Including the cities of Mankato, Fairmont, St James, Redwood Falls, New Ulm, Blue Earth, and Albert Lea 554 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CST THIS EVENING... ...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED... * WHAT...Areas of blowing snow and scattered snow showers could briefly reduce visibility to as low as one mile this evening. SLick roads and untreated surfaces are anticipated through the evening commute. * WHERE...Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Freeborn, Martin, Watonwan, and Redwood Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury. && $$ MNZ047>049-051>070-075>077-084-085-220200- /O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-260122T0200Z/ Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift- Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington- Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Nicollet- Le Sueur-Rice-Waseca-Steele- Including the cities of Minneapolis, Le Sueur, Shakopee, Granite Falls, St Cloud, Center City, Chaska, Victoria, Waseca, Litchfield, Willmar, Owatonna, St Paul, Cambridge, Hutchinson, Monticello, Madison, Hastings, Montevideo, Blaine, Stillwater, St Peter, Glenwood, Gaylord, Morris, Olivia, Benson, Chanhassen, Elk River, and Faribault 554 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Areas of blowing snow and scattered snow showers could briefly reduce visibility to as low as one mile this evening. SLick roads and untreated surfaces are anticipated through the evening commute. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, and west central Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury. && $$ ETA
The office that day
Everything else NWS Twin Cities, MN issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 12:02 PM CST | Extreme Cold Warning | MPX | Anoka, Benton, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa and 36 more | 48 hr |
Nearby
Blizzard Warnings in Minnesota, 2026Every blizzard warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.