Winter Storm Watch 2, NWS Twin Cities, MN

Anoka County, MN, Benton County, MN, Blue Earth County, MN, Brown County, MN, Carver County, MN, Chippewa County, MN, Chisago County, MN, Dakota County, MN, Douglas County, MN, Faribault County, MN, Freeborn County, MN, Goodhue County, MN, Hennepin County, MN, Isanti County, MN, Kanabec County, MN, Kandiyohi County, MN, Lac qui Parle County, MN, Le Sueur County, MN, Martin County, MN, McLeod County, MN, Meeker County, MN, Mille Lacs County, MN, Morrison County, MN, Nicollet County, MN, Pope County, MN, Ramsey County, MN, Redwood County, MN, Renville County, MN, Rice County, MN, Scott County, MN, Sherburne County, MN, Sibley County, MN, Stearns County, MN, Steele County, MN, Stevens County, MN, Swift County, MN, Todd County, MN, Waseca County, MN, Washington County, MN, Watonwan County, MN, Wright County, MN, Yellow Medicine County, MN, Barron County, WI, Chippewa County, WI, Dunn County, WI, Eau Claire County, WI, Pepin County, WI, Pierce County, WI, Polk County, WI, Rusk County, WI, Saint Croix County, WI

175 
WWUS43 KMPX 121941
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
241 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO BRING HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS, GUSTY WINDS,
AND SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL IMPACTS THIS WEEKEND...

.A major winter storm will move across the Upper Midwest Saturday
into Sunday. Model guidance continues to illustrate a remarkable
precipitation footprint across the region which will yield heavy snow
accumulations on the order of 6-10" across the Watch area. Localized
totals across portions of southeastern MN and western WI will likely
exceed 12". The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will reduce
visibility and create periods of blizzard conditions on Sunday. Very
hazardous travel conditions will develop as a result.

MNZ047>049-055>059-065-066-130745-
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.260313T0300Z-260313T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Renville-
McLeod-
Including the cities of Morris, Willmar, St Cloud, Hutchinson,
Litchfield, Benson, Monticello, Montevideo, Olivia, and Glenwood
241 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
CDT FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, blowing snow expected.
  Total snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as
  65 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations between 6 and 14 inches possible. Winds could gust as
  high as 40 mph.

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

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 10 PM this evening to
  7 AM CDT Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening
  through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
  Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power
  lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

MNZ041-042-130745-
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.260313T0300Z-260313T1200Z/
Douglas-Todd-
Including the cities of Alexandria and Long Prairie
241 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
CDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to one
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Todd and Douglas Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  will impact the Friday morning commute. Very strong winds could
  cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

WIZ016-130745-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.260312T2200Z-260313T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0300Z-260316T1200Z/
Rusk-
Including the cities of Ladysmith
241 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT
FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45
  mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations between 11 and 15 inches possible. Winds could gust
  as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Rusk County.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Friday. For
  the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening through Monday
  morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions will impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning
  commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

MNZ051>054-060>064-067>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-130745-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-
Washington-Yellow Medicine-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Redwood-
Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Waseca-
Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Stillwater, Le Sueur, Granite Falls, Madison,
Red Wing, Albert Lea, Victoria, Chaska, Cambridge, Center City,
Minneapolis, St Peter, Mankato, St Paul, Shakopee, Elk River, New
Ulm, Owatonna, Fairmont, Blaine, Hastings, Faribault, Gaylord,
Waseca, Chanhassen, St James, Blue Earth, and Redwood Falls
241 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 10 and
  20 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central,
  southeast, southwest, and west central Minnesota.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds
  could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

WIZ014-015-023>028-130745-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0300Z-260316T1200Z/
Polk-Barron-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Menomonie, Osceola, Rice Lake, Durand,
Hudson, Eau Claire, River Falls, and Chippewa Falls
241 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 9 and
  22 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Barron, Polk, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce,
  and St. Croix Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

Dunleavy

823 
WWUS43 KMPX 121952 CCA
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
252 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
CDT FRIDAY...

MNZ047>049-055>059-065-066-130800-
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.260313T0300Z-260313T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Renville-
McLeod-
Including the cities of Morris, Willmar, St Cloud, Hutchinson,
Litchfield, Benson, Monticello, Montevideo, Olivia, and Glenwood
252 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
CDT FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, blowing snow expected.
  Total snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as
  65 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations between 6 and 14 inches possible. Winds could gust as
  high as 40 mph.

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

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 10 PM this evening to
  7 AM CDT Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening
  through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
  Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power
  lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

MNZ041-042-130800-
/O.COR.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.260313T0300Z-260313T1200Z/
Douglas-Todd-
Including the cities of Alexandria and Long Prairie
252 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
CDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to one
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Todd and Douglas Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  will impact the Friday morning commute. Very strong winds could
  cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

WIZ016-130800-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.260312T2200Z-260313T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0300Z-260316T1200Z/
Rusk-
Including the cities of Ladysmith
252 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT
FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations between 2 and 4 inches tonight into Friday morning.
  Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy
  snow likely. Total snow accumulations in excess of 8" likely this
  weekend. Localized totals will exceed 12". Winds could gust as high
  as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Rusk County.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Friday. For
  the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening through Monday
  morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions will impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning
  commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

MNZ051>054-060>064-067>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-130800-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-
Washington-Yellow Medicine-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Redwood-
Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Waseca-
Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Stillwater, Le Sueur, Granite Falls, Madison,
Red Wing, Albert Lea, Victoria, Chaska, Cambridge, Center City,
Minneapolis, St Peter, Mankato, St Paul, Shakopee, Elk River, New
Ulm, Owatonna, Fairmont, Blaine, Hastings, Faribault, Gaylord,
Waseca, Chanhassen, St James, Blue Earth, and Redwood Falls
252 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow likely. Total snow accumulations in excess of 6"
  likely, with localized amounts exceeding 12" across southern MN.
  Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central,
  southeast, southwest, and west central Minnesota.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds
  could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

WIZ014-015-023>028-130800-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0300Z-260316T1200Z/
Polk-Barron-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Menomonie, Osceola, Rice Lake, Durand,
Hudson, Eau Claire, River Falls, and Chippewa Falls
252 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow likely. Total snow accumulations in excess of 6"
  inches likely, with localized amounts exceeding 12". Winds could
  gust as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Barron, Polk, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce,
  and St. Croix Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

Dunleavy

123 
WWUS43 KMPX 130251
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
951 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
CDT FRIDAY...
...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO BRING HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS, GUSTY
WINDS,AND SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL IMPACTS THIS WEEKEND...

.Two rounds of wintry weather will occur over the next several days.
Tonight into Friday morning will feature very strong winds and
occasional snow across parts of central Minnesota and western
Wisconsin. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility,
especially across the open areas of central Minnesota.

A major winter storm will move across the Upper Midwest Saturday into
Sunday. Model guidance continues to illustrate a remarkable
precipitation footprint across the region which will yield heavy snow
accumulations on the order of 6-10" across the Watch area. Localized
totals across portions of southeastern MN and western WI will likely
exceed 12". The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will reduce
visibility and create periods of blizzard conditions on Sunday. Very
hazardous travel conditions will develop as a result.

WIZ016-131500-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260313T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0300Z-260316T1200Z/
Rusk-
Including the cities of Ladysmith
951 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT
FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Additional
  snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches tonight into Friday
  morning. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. For the Winter Storm
  Watch, heavy snow likely. Total snow accumulations in excess of 8"
  likely this weekend. Localized totals will exceed 12". Winds could
  gust as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Rusk County.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Friday. For
  the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening through Monday
  morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions will impact the Friday 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
511wi.gov for road conditions.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

MNZ047>049-055>059-065-066-131500-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.260313T0300Z-260313T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Renville-
McLeod-
Including the cities of Willmar, Monticello, Benson, Morris,
Glenwood, Olivia, Hutchinson, St Cloud, Litchfield, and Montevideo
951 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM CDT FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, blowing snow expected.
  Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high
  as 65 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow likely. Total
  snow accumulations in excess of 6" likely, with localized amounts
  exceeding 12" across southern MN. Winds could gust as high as 45
  mph.

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

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 7 AM CDT Friday. For
  the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening through Monday
  morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
  Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power
  lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

MNZ041-042-131200-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.260313T0300Z-260313T1200Z/
Douglas-Todd-
Including the cities of Alexandria and Long Prairie
951 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM CDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow expected. Additional snow accumulations up to
  one inch. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Todd and Douglas Counties.

* WHEN...Until 7 AM CDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  will impact the Friday morning commute. Strong winds could cause
  extensive damage to trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

MNZ051>054-060>064-067>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-131500-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-
Washington-Yellow Medicine-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Redwood-
Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Waseca-
Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Chaska, Gaylord, Minneapolis, Granite Falls,
Victoria, Fairmont, New Ulm, Red Wing, St James, Mankato, Faribault,
Owatonna, Hastings, St Paul, Blaine, Waseca, Blue Earth, Stillwater,
Shakopee, Chanhassen, Cambridge, Madison, St Peter, Center City, Elk
River, Redwood Falls, Albert Lea, and Le Sueur
951 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow likely. Total snow accumulations in excess of 6"
  likely, with localized amounts exceeding 12" across southern MN.
  Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central,
  southeast, southwest, and west central Minnesota.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds
  could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

WIZ014-015-023>028-131500-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0300Z-260316T1200Z/
Polk-Barron-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Hudson, Eau Claire, Durand, Osceola,
Menomonie, Rice Lake, River Falls, and Chippewa Falls
951 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow likely. Total snow accumulations in excess of 6"
  inches likely, with localized amounts exceeding 12". Winds could
  gust as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Barron, Polk, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce,
  and St. Croix Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

BED

137 
WWUS43 KMPX 130727
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...DANGEROUS WINTER STORM LIKELY TO BRING EXTREME SNOW ACCUMULATIONS
AND GUSTY WINDS...
...TRAVEL MAY BECOME IMPOSSIBLE LATE SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...

.A major winter storm will move across the Upper Midwest late
Saturday into Sunday. Model guidance continues to illustrate a
remarkable precipitation footprint across the region which will yield
heavy snow accumulations on the order of 1 to 2 feet. Totals across
portions of western and central Wisconsin could exceed 2 feet. The
combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will reduce visibility and
create periods of blizzard conditions on Sunday across western and
southern Minnesota. Travel is expected to become very difficult or
impossible late Saturday night and Sunday. In addition, the amount of
water in the snowpack will make it wet and very heavy, leading to the
potential for infrastructure damage and a health hazard for those
shoveling.

MNZ041-042-131930-
/O.CAN.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260313T1200Z/
/O.EXB.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T0000Z/
Douglas-Todd-
Including the cities of Long Prairie and Alexandria
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY
EVENING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations between 6 and 12 inches possible. Winds could gust as
  high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Todd and Douglas Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Sunday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

MNZ047-048-055>057-065-066-131930-
/O.CAN.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260313T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Stevens-Pope-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Renville-McLeod-
Including the cities of Willmar, Montevideo, Morris, Olivia,
Glenwood, Hutchinson, and Benson
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations of 1
  to 2 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

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

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility Gusty winds
  could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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.

&&

$$

MNZ049-058-059-131930-
/O.CAN.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260313T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Stearns-Meeker-Wright-
Including the cities of Litchfield, Monticello, and St Cloud
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations of 1 to 2 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as
  40 mph.

* WHERE...Meeker, Stearns, and Wright Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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.

&&

$$

WIZ016-131930-
/O.EXT.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260313T1500Z/
Rusk-
Including the cities of Ladysmith
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT THIS
MORNING...
...WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow
  accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. For
  the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow and blowing snow possible. Total
  snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet possible. Winds could gust as
  high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Rusk County.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM CDT this
  morning. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening through
  Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.  Gusty winds
  could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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.

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

&&

$$

MNZ043>045-050-131930-
/O.EXB.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T0000Z/
Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Benton-
Including the cities of Princeton, Mora, Little Falls, and Sauk
Rapids
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 7 and
  14 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Benton, Morrison, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Sunday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

WIZ014-015-023>028-131930-
/O.EXT.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Polk-Barron-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of River Falls, Osceola, Eau Claire, Menomonie,
Rice Lake, Hudson, Durand, and Chippewa Falls
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations between 18 and 28 inches possible. Winds could gust
  as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Barron, Polk, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce,
  and St. Croix Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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.

&&

$$

MNZ051>053-060>063-068>070-077-078-131930-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-
Scott-Dakota-Rice-Goodhue-
Including the cities of Chanhassen, Chaska, Stillwater, Cambridge,
Blaine, Victoria, Shakopee, Elk River, Red Wing, Faribault, Center
City, Hastings, St Paul, and Minneapolis
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations of 1 to 2 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as
  40 mph.

* WHERE...Sherburne, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin,
  Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Rice, and Goodhue Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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.

&&

$$

MNZ054-064-067-073>076-082>085-091>093-131930-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Lac Qui Parle-Yellow Medicine-Sibley-Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le
Sueur-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Gaylord, Owatonna, Waseca, Redwood Falls,
Madison, New Ulm, St Peter, St James, Blue Earth, Albert Lea, Le
Sueur, Fairmont, Granite Falls, and Mankato
227 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations of 1
  to 2 feet, sleet accumulations up to one tenth of an inch, and ice
  accumulations around a light glaze possible. Winds could gust as
  high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Sibley, Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Freeborn, Le Sueur,
  Martin, Nicollet, Steele, Waseca, Watonwan, Redwood, Lac Qui Parle,
  and Yellow Medicine Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds
  could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Prepare for possible blizzard conditions. Continue to monitor the
latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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.

&&

$$

Borghoff

390 
WWUS43 KMPX 131437
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...POWERFUL WINTER STORM ON TRACK TO BRING EXTREME SNOW ACCUMULATIONS
AND GUSTY WINDS...
...TRAVEL MAY BECOME IMPOSSIBLE LATE SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...

.A major winter storm will move across the Upper Midwest late
Saturday into Sunday.

The first concern is heavy snow, with a broad area of 10 to 16 inches
likely, and a narrow swath of 15 to 20 inches Totals across portions
of western and central Wisconsin could approach 2 feet. The heaviest
snow will fall Saturday evening and overnight, with rates of 2 inches
per hour possible. Winds will start out of the northeast at 20 to 30
mph.

The second concern is increasing winds on Sunday. Even though the
snow will be diminishing on Sunday, northwest winds will increase to
35 to 45 mph. The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will
reduce visibility and create periods of blizzard conditions on Sunday
across western and southern Minnesota.

Travel is expected to become very difficult or impossible late
Saturday night and Sunday. In addition, the amount of water in the
snowpack will make it wet and very heavy, leading to the potential
for infrastructure damage and a health hazard for those shoveling.

WIZ016-140245-
/O.EXP.KMPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260313T1500Z/
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0001.260315T0300Z-260316T1200Z/
Rusk-
Including the cities of Ladysmith
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM CDT
MONDAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 15 and
  20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Rusk County.

* WHEN...From 10 PM Saturday to 7 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
  conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.

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.

&&

$$

MNZ047-048-054>057-064-065-073-140245-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0001.260314T2100Z-260316T1200Z/
Stevens-Pope-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Yellow
Medicine-Renville-Redwood-
Including the cities of Madison, Montevideo, Granite Falls, Morris,
Willmar, Olivia, Glenwood, Redwood Falls, and Benson
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM CDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 10 and
  16 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Kandiyohi, Renville, Redwood, Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle,
  Pope, Stevens, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties.

* WHEN...From 4 PM Saturday to 7 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. 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. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for
road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ041>045-050-140245-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0001.260315T0300Z-260316T0000Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Benton-
Including the cities of Long Prairie, Princeton, Alexandria, Little
Falls, Mora, and Sauk Rapids
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM SATURDAY TO 7 PM CDT
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and
  10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Benton, Morrison, Todd, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Douglas
  Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM Saturday to 7 PM CDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. 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. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for
road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ049-051-059>063-068-140245-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0001.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Stearns-Sherburne-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-
Including the cities of St Paul, Elk River, St Cloud, Chaska,
Minneapolis, Victoria, Blaine, Chanhassen, Stillwater, and Monticello
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM CDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 10 and
  18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Sherburne, Stearns, Wright, Anoka, Carver, Hennepin,
  Ramsey, and Washington Counties.

* WHEN...From 7 PM Saturday to 7 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  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 511mn.org for
road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ052-053-140245-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0001.260315T0300Z-260316T0000Z/
Isanti-Chisago-
Including the cities of Center City and Cambridge
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM SATURDAY TO 7 PM CDT
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 10 and
  15 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Chisago and Isanti Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM Saturday to 7 PM CDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  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 511mn.org for
road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ058-066-067-069-070-074>078-082>085-140245-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0001.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
Meeker-McLeod-Sibley-Scott-Dakota-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-
Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Waseca-Steele-
Including the cities of Litchfield, New Ulm, Red Wing, Hutchinson,
Mankato, Hastings, St James, Gaylord, Faribault, Waseca, Shakopee,
Owatonna, St Peter, and Le Sueur
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM CDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and sleet expected. Total snow accumulations
  between 12 and 18 inches and sleet accumulations up to one tenth of
  an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...McLeod, Meeker, Sibley, Dakota, Scott, Blue Earth, Brown,
  Le Sueur, Nicollet, Rice, Steele, Waseca, Watonwan, and Goodhue
  Counties.

* WHEN...From 7 PM Saturday to 7 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. 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. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for
road conditions.

&&

$$

MNZ091>093-140245-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0001.260315T0600Z-260316T1200Z/
Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Albert Lea, Fairmont, and Blue Earth
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM SUNDAY TO 7 AM CDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and sleet expected. Total snow accumulations
  between 6 and 10 inches and sleet accumulations between one tenth
  and two tenths of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

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

* WHEN...From 1 AM Sunday to 7 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. 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. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for
road conditions.

&&

$$

WIZ014-015-023>028-140245-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WS.A.0002.260315T0000Z-260316T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0001.260315T0300Z-260316T1200Z/
Polk-Barron-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Rice Lake, Hudson, Eau Claire, Osceola,
Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, River Falls, and Durand
937 AM CDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM CDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 12 and
  20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Barron, Polk, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce,
  and St. Croix Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM Saturday to 7 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread
  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.

&&

$$

JRB

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1255 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- A mixture of rain and snow is expected Thursday and Thursday
  night with generally an inch or less of accumulation.
  Portions of Rusk County WI may receive 3-5 inches along with
  strong winds.

- Very strong winds are expected Thursday afternoon through
  Friday afternoon. Gusts near 60 mph are likely across much
  of western- southern Minnesota, with 45-55 mph expected
  elsewhere.

- Heavy snow likely this weekend with highest amounts over
  southern MN though exact amounts still have some uncertainty.
  Strong winds may occur during and on the diminishing side of
  the snowfall.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 432 AM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

Quite the complex and active forecast on our hands from today
through the weekend, to say the least.

Today-Friday...A developing surface low over southern British
Columbia will be ushered eastward within a digging upper level
trough. This low will dip south just enough over the
international border during the day today and strengthen
significantly as it comes off the Rockies and into the Dakotas.
The low will drop from around 1000mb to around 990mb during this
trek, with its southward-sagging warm front nudging eastward
over the Northern Plains. Its broad precipitation shield will
mainly affect northern MN by late this afternoon but enough cold
air at the lower levels will allow precipitation to commence as
light snow early this afternoon. As temperatures rise with the
warm front crossing into the WFO MPX coverage area later today,
the precipitation will change over to rain and become fairly
widespread through the evening hours. Far northern and eastern
portions of the coverage area will remain as a rain/snow mix
through the day then change over to all snow by this evening.
The most concentrated areas of snowfall looks to be Barron-
Rusk-Chippewa counties in western WI, where over an inch is
expected. In particular, Rusk County may see upwards of 3-5",
highest in far northeastern portions of the county. Thus, a
Winter Weather Advisory has been issued. On the broader scale
beyond the precipitation, the quick deepening of the surface low
as it approaches and moves across northern MN/WI this evening
through Friday morning in conjunction with high pressure on the
heels of the low will produce quite the tightened surface
pressure gradient. In addition, model soundings indicate between
50-80kt of wind within the boundary layer of the atmosphere as
this system moves across. This will promote very strong and
potentially hazardous sustained winds and wind gusts from this
evening through the overnight hours, especially once the wind
shift to W and NW occurs on the backside of the surface low.
Sustained speeds may reach and exceed 35mph for much of the
coverage area with wind gusts as high as 60mph. The highest wind
speeds will be in western and southern MN where a High Wind
Warning has been issued. Where slightly lesser speeds are
expected, a Wind Advisory as been issued. Returning to the
Winter Weather Advisory for Rusk County, both the snowfall of 3+
inches along with strong winds has been mentioned which may
reduce visibilities to around one mile. Conditions are expected
to quickly improve during the day on Friday as the surface low
shifts well into the Great Lakes. Snowfall is expected to cease
by sunset or shortly thereafter and winds will steadily diminish
through the day, allowing for a relatively benign Friday
afternoon-evening. Highs today will climb to the lower 40s to
lower 50s with lows tonight dipping into the 20s. Most of the
precipitation, particularly across the MN portion of our area,
will end prior to temperatures dropping below freezing. Behind
the system, modest cold air advection will keep highs only in
the 30s on Friday.

Friday night-Sunday night...This is the portion of the forecast
that is garnering much of the attention, particularly with the
heavy snow that is expected for late Saturday through Sunday. A
strong and well- organized CO low will develop Saturday through
Saturday night in conjunction with a broader longwave trough
which will dig appreciably over central NOAM and bring not only
Pacific moisture with it into the Upper Midwest but also
partially open a path for Gulf moisture to travel well
northward. Model consensus continues to put the track of this
system from CO across KS/MO/IA and into the Great Lakes, thus
keeping our coverage area on the cold side of the system. In
addition, as this system moves along this path, it will continue
to deepen to a sub-990mb low. The difference between the today-
tonight system and this weekend system is the origin, path and
slower progression of the weekend system. This will lead to a
greater precipitation swath and significantly higher amounts
within a much colder airmass. There is also more consistent
signals of high snowfall amounts, especially for the southern
half of our coverage area. While it is still a bit early to say
with high confidence what specific amounts are across the
coverage area, confidence is growing that the central and
southern portions of our coverage area will receive over 6
inches of snow and likely a band of 8-12" will develop over
southern portions of our coverage area. The bulk of the snowfall
will occur late Saturday evening through late Sunday morning,
and will also be accompanied by strong winds (NOT as strong as
tonight's) which will cause blowing snow and visibility
reductions. It is a bit early to start using "blizzard" wording
but at this point the combination of heavy snow with strong
winds is looking more and more likely. The strongest winds look
to be during the daytime hours on Sunday when the snowfall is
winding down, and this will be a fairly wet snowfall with ratios
in the 12:1 to 16:1 range, which may limit the drifting aspect
as the snowpack develops. This system will shift into southeast
Canada by Monday morning with diminishing winds and clearing
skies in its wake for Monday.

Monday-Wednesday...Relatively tranquil but cold conditions are
then expected for the early portion of next week. Temperatures
will drop some 20 degrees below normal Monday-Tuesday as highs
only top out in the teens and 20s with lows in the single
digits, possibly even below zero. Thus, this fresh snowpack
looks to stick around for some time going later into March. No
significant systems are highlighted in model guidance for next
week but a few weak disturbances may drift through which could
produce some weak snow showers from time to time.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1234 PM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

Winds are slowly starting to come up early this afternoon with
gusts of 20-25kts out of the south. Some returns are showing up
on radar, but nothing is reaching the ground just yet. The rain
showers are making their way eastward from the Dakotas and
should reach our western terminals by 21-22z with some snow/ice
pellets mixing in over time. MVFR visibilities are likely with
the precip with cigs following after 00z.

Winds will continue to increase and turn southwesterly to
northwesterly between 05-07z. Winds are expected to be sustained
around 25kts with gusts of 45-55kts. These strong gusts will
continue into Friday morning before slowly diminishing to around
35-45kts by the end of the period from west to east. Cigs are
expected to remain MVFR through the end of the period, but our
western/northernmost sites could come back to VFR just before
18z.

KMSP...While the main forecast concern are the high winds, some
precip impacts are possible this evening. May need to do some
adjusting in regards to the wx/vis, but not anticipating IFR
conditions. Kept LLWS mention for this evening with a very
strong jet aloft. Did increase gusts early Friday morning to
around 50kts. Best window for highest wind gusts is sometime
between 08-12z. VFR cigs return by Friday afternoon with winds
down to 25-30kts.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
SAT...MVFR likely, chc IFR/-SN late day. Heavy snow overnight.
Wind SE 5-10kts increasing to 10-15kts.
SUN...IFR with SN, heavy at times. Wind NE 15-20G25-35kts bcmg
NW.
MON...VFR. Wind NW 10-15kts.
&&

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...High Wind Warning from 10 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Friday
     for Blue Earth-Brown-Chippewa-Douglas-Faribault-Freeborn-
     Kandiyohi-Lac Qui Parle-Martin-McLeod-Meeker-Nicollet-
     Pope-Redwood-Renville-Sibley-Stearns-Stevens-Swift-Todd-
     Waseca-Watonwan-Yellow Medicine.
     High Wind Warning from midnight tonight to 10 AM CDT Friday
     for Anoka-Benton-Carver-Dakota-Goodhue-Hennepin-Le Sueur-
     Morrison-Ramsey-Rice-Scott-Sherburne-Steele-Washington-
     Wright.
     Wind Advisory from midnight tonight to 10 AM CDT Friday for
     Chisago-Isanti-Kanabec-Mille Lacs.
WI...Wind Advisory from midnight tonight to 10 AM CDT Friday for
     Barron-Chippewa-Dunn-Eau Claire-Pepin-Pierce-Polk-St.
     Croix.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 5 PM this afternoon to 10 AM CDT
     Friday for Rusk.

&&

DISCUSSION...JPC
AVIATION...Dye

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
446 AM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>028-
131000-
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-
Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-
Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk-
St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Eau Claire-
446 AM CDT Thu Mar 12 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and
southern Minnesota, and west central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Rain and snow are expected this afternoon through tonight with
increasing winds during the evening. Snowfall amounts will be a
trace or less for all locations except portions of western
Wisconsin, particularly Rusk County, which may receive in excess
of 3 inches of snow accumulation.

Very strong winds will develop this afternoon and persist through
the overnight hours. Wind gusts of up to 60 MPH can be expected
over much of central and southern Minnesota, with wind gusts up to
50 MPH for portions of east central Minnesota through western
Wisconsin.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

A potent winter storm is expected to impact the Upper Midwest this
weekend. Plowable snow, with snow heavy at times Saturday night
through Sunday morning, is expected. In addition, strong winds
will develop during the day Sunday which may produce reduced
visibility due to blowing snow.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN spotter activation will not be needed.