Winter Storm Warning 2, NWS Twin Cities, MN

Issued

Mar 15, 2026, 3:07 PM CDT (20:07 UTC)

Expired

Mar 16, 2026, 1:00 AM CDT

In force

10 hr

Issued by

NWS Twin Cities, MN

Counties Anoka County, MN, Carver County, MN, Chisago County, MN, Hennepin County, MN, Ramsey County, MN, Sibley County, MN, Washington County, MN, Barron County, WI, Polk County, WI, Rusk County, WI

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 62 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:08 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.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

844 
WWUS43 KMPX 152007
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS WILL LEAD TO BLOWING SNOW AND BLIZZARD
CONDITIONS THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT...
...LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL END THIS EVENING...

.Widespread snowfall amounts over 8 inches through this morning fell
along and south of a line from Rice Lake in Wisconsin, to the Twin
Cities, and Redwood Falls. An additional 3 to 6 inches of snow is
expected through the afternoon in these area.

Travel conditions will be dangerous into this evening as northwest
wind gusts increase to between 40 and 50 mph, with gusts to 55 mph
possible along the I-90 corridor. The combination of falling snow,
blowing snow, and gusty winds will reduce visibility and create
blizzard conditions into tonight. The worst conditions are expected
in the Minnesota River Valley in southwest Minnesota, then from south
central Minnesota into western Wisconsin where widespread snowfall
amounts over 12 inches have been observed.

MNZ053-060>063-068-WIZ014-160600-
/O.CAN.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0002.260315T2007Z-260316T0600Z/
Chisago-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Polk-
Including the cities of Osceola, St Paul, Victoria, Stillwater,
Center City, Chanhassen, Blaine, Minneapolis, and Chaska
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT MONDAY...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations
  up to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Hennepin, Ramsey, and
  Washington Counties. In Wisconsin, Polk County.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your
vehicle in case of an emergency. In Minnesota, call 5 1 1 or visit
511mn.org for road conditions. In Wisconsin, call 5 1 1 or visit
511wi.gov for road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ067-WIZ015-160600-
/O.CAN.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0002.260315T2007Z-260316T0600Z/
Sibley-Barron-
Including the cities of Gaylord and Rice Lake
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT MONDAY...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations
  up to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, Sibley County. In Wisconsin, Barron County.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  will impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring
  down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your
vehicle in case of an emergency. In Minnesota, call 5 1 1 or visit
511mn.org for road conditions. In Wisconsin, call 5 1 1 or visit
511wi.gov for road conditions.

&&

$$

WIZ016-160815-
/O.CAN.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0002.260315T2007Z-260316T0900Z/
Rusk-
Including the cities of Ladysmith
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT MONDAY...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations
  between 1 and 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Rusk County.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  will impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your
vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511wi.gov for
road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ047-055-160600-
/O.CAN.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260316T0600Z/
Stevens-Swift-
Including the cities of Benson and Morris
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT MONDAY...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will lead to
  blowing and drifting snow.

* WHERE...Stevens and Swift Counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. 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.

&&

$$

MNZ056>058-065-066-160600-
/O.CAN.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260316T0600Z/
Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Renville-McLeod-
Including the cities of Willmar, Montevideo, Litchfield, Hutchinson,
and Olivia
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT MONDAY...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds
  gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, and Chippewa Counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  will impact the Monday morning commute. 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.

&&

$$

MNZ054-064-073>075-082>084-160815-
/O.EXT.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
Lac Qui Parle-Yellow Medicine-Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Watonwan-
Blue Earth-Waseca-
Including the cities of Granite Falls, Waseca, Madison, St Peter,
Mankato, St James, Redwood Falls, and New Ulm
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...BLIZZARD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to 3
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Blue Earth, Brown, Nicollet, Waseca, Watonwan, Redwood, Lac
  Qui Parle, and Yellow Medicine Counties.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel
  treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Plan on slippery road
  conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce
  visibility. 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.

Prepare now for potential road closures. Delay travel and shelter in
place once conditions worsen. Remember, if interstate highways are
closed, state highways and county roads are also impassable.

&&

$$

MNZ069-070-076>078-085-WIZ023>028-160815-
/O.EXT.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
Scott-Dakota-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Steele-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-
Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Shakopee, Durand, Eau Claire, Hudson,
Faribault, River Falls, Menomonie, Owatonna, Chippewa Falls,
Hastings, Le Sueur, and Red Wing
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...BLIZZARD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 1
  and 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, Dakota, Scott, Le Sueur, Rice, Steele, and
  Goodhue Counties. In Wisconsin, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin,
  Pierce, and St. Croix Counties.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. 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. In Minnesota, call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road
conditions. In Wisconsin, call 5 1 1 or visit 511wi.gov for road
conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ091>093-160815-
/O.CON.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Blue Earth, Albert Lea, and Fairmont
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM CDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 3
  and 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph.

* WHERE...Faribault, Freeborn, and Martin Counties.

* WHEN...Until 7 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel
  treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Plan on slippery road
  conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce
  visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning
  commute. Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and
  power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel along the Interstate 90 and Interstate
  35 is not advised by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

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.

Prepare now for potential road closures. Delay travel and shelter in
place once conditions worsen. Remember, if interstate highways are
closed, state highways and county roads are also impassable.

&&

$$

MNZ041>045-048>052-059-160600-
/O.EXT.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260316T0600Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Pope-Stearns-Benton-
Sherburne-Isanti-Wright-
Including the cities of Little Falls, St Cloud, Glenwood, Alexandria,
Cambridge, Long Prairie, Monticello, Mora, Sauk Rapids, Elk River,
and Princeton
307 PM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations up to
  one inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wright, Isanti,
  Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Douglas, and Pope Counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 or visit
511mn.org for road conditions.

&&

$$

MPG

090 
WWUS43 KMPX 160534
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW CONTINUING OVERNIGHT...

MNZ069-070-078-WIZ023>028-160900-
/O.CAN.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
Scott-Dakota-Goodhue-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau
Claire-
Including the cities of Durand, Eau Claire, Hastings, River Falls,
Hudson, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, Shakopee, and Red Wing
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Areas of blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, Dakota, Scott, and Goodhue Counties. In
  Wisconsin, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix
  Counties.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT early this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

WIZ016-160900-
/O.CAN.KMPX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
Rusk-
Including the cities of Ladysmith
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Areas of blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Rusk County.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT early this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Minnesota, call 5 1 1
or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. In Wisconsin, call 5 1 1 or
visit 511wi.gov for road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ067-068-WIZ015-160900-
/O.EXP.KMPX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260316T0600Z/
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
Sibley-Carver-Barron-
Including the cities of Victoria, Chaska, Chanhassen, Rice Lake, and
Gaylord
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1 AM CDT EARLY THIS MORNING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Areas of blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, Sibley and Carver Counties. In Wisconsin,
  Barron County.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT early this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Minnesota, call 5 1 1
or visit 511mn.org for road conditions. In Wisconsin, call 5 1 1 or
visit 511wi.gov for road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ053-060>063-WIZ014-160645-
/O.EXP.KMPX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260316T0600Z/
Chisago-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Polk-
Including the cities of St Paul, Stillwater, Minneapolis, Center
City, Blaine, and Osceola
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1 AM CDT EARLY THIS MORNING...

$$

MNZ041>045-048>052-059-160645-
/O.EXP.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260316T0600Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Pope-Stearns-Benton-
Sherburne-Isanti-Wright-
Including the cities of Alexandria, Glenwood, Princeton, Sauk Rapids,
Little Falls, Elk River, Mora, Cambridge, Long Prairie, Monticello,
and St Cloud
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 1 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...

$$

MNZ054-064-073>075-082>084-160900-
/O.CON.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
Lac Qui Parle-Yellow Medicine-Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Watonwan-
Blue Earth-Waseca-
Including the cities of St James, Madison, Granite Falls, Waseca,
Redwood Falls, St Peter, Mankato, and New Ulm
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Blue Earth, Brown, Nicollet, Waseca, Watonwan, Redwood, Lac
  Qui Parle, and Yellow Medicine Counties.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT early this morning.

* IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel
  treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Widespread blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility.

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.

Prepare now for potential road closures. Delay travel and shelter in
place once conditions worsen. Remember, if interstate highways are
closed, state highways and county roads are also impassable.

&&

$$

MNZ076-077-085-160900-
/O.CON.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
Le Sueur-Rice-Steele-
Including the cities of Owatonna, Le Sueur, and Faribault
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Le Sueur, Rice, and Steele Counties.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT early this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

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.

&&

$$

MNZ091>093-161200-
/O.CON.KMPX.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Blue Earth, Fairmont, and Albert Lea
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Faribault, Freeborn, and Martin Counties.

* WHEN...Until 7 AM CDT this morning.

* IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel
  treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Plan on slippery road
  conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce
  visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning
  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.

Prepare now for potential road closures. Delay travel and shelter in
place once conditions worsen. Remember, if interstate highways are
closed, state highways and county roads are also impassable.

&&

$$

MNZ047-055>058-065-066-160900-
/O.EXT.KMPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260316T0900Z/
Stevens-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Renville-McLeod-
Including the cities of Morris, Benson, Olivia, Litchfield, Willmar,
Montevideo, and Hutchinson
1234 AM CDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Areas of blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Chippewa, Stevens, and
  Swift Counties.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT early this morning.

* IMPACTS...Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce
  visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling, especially in open areas. Call 5 1 1 or
visit 511mn.org for road conditions.

&&

$$

Borghoff

Winter Storm Warnings in Minnesota, 2026Winter Storm Warnings in Wisconsin, 2026Every winter storm warning in 2026

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.