Minnesota Faces Another Storm: Snow, Wind, and Uncertainty Over the Twin Cities
Following a major snowstorm on March 4-5, the Twin Cities experienced yet another wave of severe weather between March 13-14, with blizzard conditions and strong storms affecting parts of Minnesota. Now, another powerful storm system is approaching, and there’s a possibility of heavy snow and high winds across southern Minnesota this week. But will the Twin Cities be caught in this next snowstorm?
Will the Twin Cities Experience Snow?
At this stage, the storm’s exact path remains uncertain, and the models show varying outcomes. The heaviest snow could fall across southeastern Minnesota, potentially staying just south and east of the Twin Cities metro. However, it’s still too soon to determine whether the city will be directly impacted.
If the storm takes a northern track through Iowa, it could bring more snow to southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Alternatively, a southern route through Missouri would push the snow band into northern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin. The American weather model suggests a northern path, which could bring snow to southeastern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities.
While the storm’s exact track is uncertain, the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities explains, “The potential is still there, but it is about as clear as mud where that main band is favored to set up.”
Temporary Snowfall Expected
No matter where the snow hits, it’s unlikely to last for long. With warmer temperatures expected by the end of March, any snow that does accumulate will likely melt quickly. So while there may be some temporary snowfall, it won’t have a lasting impact on the region.
Weather Conditions Shift Quickly Across Minnesota
In a dramatic 24-hour period, western and northwestern Minnesota saw temperatures rise to the 70s before a blizzard rolled through. Strong winds made travel difficult, especially outside the Twin Cities metro, as the state transitioned from spring-like warmth to intense winter weather.
In the Twin Cities, heavy winds and rain took the place of snow. The strongest wind gusts were recorded at 60 mph in Odessa, western Minnesota. Other areas reported similar strong gusts, causing hazardous travel conditions.
Power Outages and Wind Damage
The powerful winds led to widespread power outages throughout the Twin Cities metro. At one point, Connexus Energy reported over 10,000 customers without power in the northern metro, particularly in Blaine and Coon Rapids. By 4 p.m. on Saturday, the number of outages had dropped to under 2,000.
Xcel Energy also reported around 2,000 outages during the peak of the storm. The strong winds caused significant damage, and power crews worked quickly to restore service.
