National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued winter weather advisories across three states on Monday afternoon as heavy snow poses to impact hundreds of thousands of people in the Midwest.
Newsweek reached out to the NWS office in Chanhassen, Minnesota, by phone for comment.
Why It Matters
Significant winter weather is expected to impact large parts of the Midwest, with NWS issuing alerts for regions spanning Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and South Dakota. The advisories warn of heavy, fast-accumulating snow overnight into Tuesday morning, leading to potentially dangerous road conditions, hazardous commutes, and the risk of power outages.
These events arrive as millions across the northern part of the country have already experienced early-season snow and cold, underlining the heightened risk to travel and infrastructure as the region prepares for winter.
What To Know
The urgent alerts are in place for southern and central Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and eastern South Dakota. NWS offices in La Crosse, Wisconsin; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Chanhassen, Minnesota, issued the alerts.
In Minnesota, meteorologists warned of rain transitioning to a mix of snow for southern Minnesota overnight, turning to all snow at times. Heavy accumulations of up to 3 inches are expected, particularly in a line extending from Canby and Redwood Falls through the southern Twin Cities metropolitan area to just south of Eau Claire. The advisory effects cities including Hutchinson, Shakopee, Le Sueur, Gaylord, Hastings, Granite Falls, Olivia, Redwood Falls, New Ulm, Chanhassen, Faribault, St. Peter, Chaska, and Victoria.
The advisory goes into effect at midnight and will remain in place through 9 a.m. Tuesday.
In Wisconsin, meteorologists warned of wet snow between 1 and 4 inches. Similar to Minnesota’s forecast, the snow will begin as rain and then transition to a rain-snow mix overnight. The advisory goes into effect at 1 a.m. Tuesday and will remain in place through noon Tuesday.
Impacted cities include Mauston, Friendship, Tomah, Whitehall, Black River Falls, Alma, Wabasha, Sparta, Arcadia, and Neillsville.
Eastern parts of South Dakota will be affected by the snow as well. The NWS office in Sioux Falls warned of 1 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Southwest Minnesota, which is included in the Sioux Falls forecast region, also will be affected. Impacted cities include Marshall, Windom, Hendricks, Mountain Lake, Pipestone, Ivanhoe, Brookings, Slayton, Tyler, Fulda, and Lake Benton.
The advisory will remain in effect from midnight through 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
What People Are Saying
NWS La Crosse in a post on X: “Rain transitions to snow across the area tonight with 1 to 4″ favored between the I-90 and I-94 corridors. Snow will continue into the Tuesday morning commute. Motorists – slow down and give extra following distance when encountering snow covered roads!”
NWS Sioux Falls in a winter weather advisory: “Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute.”
What Happens Next?
Snowfall rates and accumulations are likely to vary significantly based on temperature and the location of the heaviest snow bands. The Tuesday morning commute is of primary concern, with quick snow accumulation, poor visibility, and slippery roads.
The NWS advises motorists to slow down, use caution, and avoid unnecessary travel where possible until conditions improve.
