Winter storm warning in effect, Walz declares peacetime emergency

By KSTP

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After some light snowfall on Monday, the first wave of heavy snowfall arrived in Minnesota and Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon, and Gov. Tim Walz is taking action.

Minnesota’s Weather Authority says a winter storm warning went into effect Tuesday afternoon. That warning will last through Thursday. A blizzard warning is also set to take effect at noon on Wednesday and last through Thursday night. Click here to see the latest weather alerts.

While Tuesday’s snowfall won’t be as heavy as the system that will hit the area Wednesday and Thursday, it will still be significant.

According to Minnesota’s Weather Authority, the Twin Cities and the rest of central Minnesota will get 3-6 inches of snow Tuesday afternoon and evening before the system fizzles out early Wednesday morning. However, a narrow stretch of the state — currently forecast to be just west and southwest of the Twin Cities metro — could get between 6-8 inches of snow Tuesday. It is possible that could extend to parts of the metro area.

From Wednesday morning until around midday, we’ll get another break before the final and heaviest round of snow moves into the area.

That final round is expected to arrive in the Twin Cities early Wednesday afternoon and will last through Thursday.

This graphic show expected snowfall across Minnesota and western Wisconsin from a band of snow that will impact the region Tuesday into early Wednesday morning. (KSTP-TV)

That final system will drop another 4-8 inches of snow Wednesday, then another 6-9 inches Thursday, Minnesota’s Weather Authority says.

Altogether, from Tuesday through the end of Thursday, the Twin Cities is expected to get 14-24 inches of snow.

With the expected dangerous travel conditions, Walz on Tuesday afternoon declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency relief services for any stranded travelers.

“Minnesotans are no strangers to extreme weather, but this storm could break records. Our agencies are collaborating closely to make sure we’re prepared – and Minnesotans have a part to play, too. Plan ahead, drive safe, and limit travel,” Walz said.

Stay up to date with the latest radar and weather forecast at KSTP.com and on air with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

Officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul are asking residents to be proactive and get their vehicles off the roads so crews can plow. Minneapolis is opening extra parking for residents who need it while St. Paul has a few ramps offering “special overnight” parking discounts.

Airlines have issued travel waivers allowing travelers flying into or out of several airports in Minnesota and Wisconsin over the next couple of days to rebook flights.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is also asking Minnesotans to stay home if possible while the storm hits the next few days.

Anyone who must travel is urged to check 511mn or click here to better understand the latest road conditions.

Most schools remained open Tuesday but many closings have started funneling in already Tuesday. See the latest list of school closings here.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS will also update a list of snow emergencies as cities issue them. St. Paul declared one Tuesday afternoon while Minneapolis said it plans to issue one Wednesday morning. See the latest list here.

In the event of a power outage, report it to your electric company. See the list of electric companies here.

“MnDOT has more than 800 snowplows and 1,600 snowplow drivers across the state,” MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said. “Our crews are prepared and ready, and will be working tirelessly day and night to keep highways as safe for travel as possible. We urge Minnesotans to plan ahead, stay home if you can, and check 511MN.org for latest road conditions near you.”

Minnesota state agencies, including the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), and the Minnesota National Guard are closely coordinating to prepare.