Blizzard warning, winter storm warning in effect across MN

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Heavy snowfall across the state is creating hazardous travel conditions, with a winter storm warning in place in the metro until Monday morning.

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6:30 p.m. Blizzard conditions Sunday night

Snowfall started across Minnesota Sunday morning, and before lunchtime, we were getting wet, heavy snow across the Twin Cities and southern parts of the state. Travel conditions are difficult, and not advised in southern Minnesota until Monday morning. Interstate 35 is closed near Owatonna, extending into Iowa, until Monday.

FOX 9 Meteorologist Sean Macaday says conditions will continue to worsen in south/central Minnesota, as a developing band of snow will procure blizzard conditions into Sunday night. Snowfall reports are coming in slow with the wind making it a challenge. Most Twin Cities communities can expect another 2-4" on top of what has fallen.

Expect a brief uptick in snow around 8-10 p.m. in the Twin Cities. Snow stops around midnight, and conditions remain hazardous through Monday morning.

3 p.m. Interstate 35 closed from Owatonna to Iowa

What we know:

The National Weather Service said Interstate 35 has been closed from Highway 14, near Owatonna, to Clarks Grove due to several crashes in the area. Starting at 4 p.m., I-35 will be closed from Albert Lea to northern Iowa.

1:10 p.m. More snow emergencies declared as temperatures drop

Temperatures in the region are dropping as wind speeds increase. 

Both New Hope and West St. Paul have declared snow emergencies. 

12:45 p.m. Heavy snowfall continues with strong wind 

Snow is accumulating across the state as strong wind gusts contribute to whiteout conditions. 

11:45 am. Snow emergencies declared 

The cities of Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, St. James and Northfield have all declared snow emergencies in response to the storm. 

11 a.m. Travel not advised in southwestern and south central Minnesota 

The national weather service announced that heavy snowfall and strong winds are leading to whiteout conditions in south central and southwest Minnesota.

These deteriorating conditions have led to a no-travel advisory in those regions. 

8:45 a.m. Snowfall begins 

The National Weather Service reports that roads in western Minnesota are already covered, with visibility down a half a mile or less. The weather conditions will continue to move east throughout the morning.

Sunday winter storm, blizzard warnings

Local perspective:

A blizzard warning is in effect for parts of western and southern Minnesota.

Strong winds could reach up to 40 miles per hour, creating whiteout conditions and hazardous travel. 

The Twin Cities and parts of Wisconsin are under a winter storm warning, with snowfall expected to be heaviest in these areas. 

Snowfall rates could result in accumulations of 4–8 inches.

Travel conditions during the day will be extremely tough, especially in open countryside areas. 

Travelers should use extreme caution, particularly on Sunday with the blowing snow and visibility issues. While the snow comes to an end after midnight, travel will still be impacted by blowing and drifting snow at the surface through the morning of Monday.

The storm is expected to bring strong winds and snow throughout the day, with conditions improving by Monday afternoon as winds decrease.

Monday morning commute

What's next:

The snow is expected to taper off by early Monday morning, but windy conditions will persist. 

Commuters should be prepared for a challenging drive, with blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Winds will remain strong, with gusts potentially reaching 35 miles per hour on Monday morning.

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