Snow storm forecast warns of blizzard conditions and up to 20 inches across Minnesota

A powerful winter storm is expected to hit Minnesota this weekend, with forecasters warning that heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions could make travel extremely dangerous.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning for much of central and southern Minnesota, including Morris, Alexandria, St. Cloud, Red Wing, Mankato, Albert Lea and the Twin Cities.

Forecasters say snowfall totals of 10 to 16 inches are expected across the warning area, with some locations possibly receiving 15 to 20 inches.

“Travel may become impossible late Saturday night and Sunday” the Weather Service said.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency ahead of the storm and activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist with emergency operations.

“As we brace for this potentially dangerous round of winter weather, I am grateful to our National Guard for stepping in to keep Minnesotans safe,” Walz said in a statement.

Snow is expected to begin Saturday afternoon and intensify overnight into Sunday morning. Forecasters say snowfall rates could reach two to three inches per hour.

Strong winds of up to 45 miles per hour could create blizzard conditions across parts of western and southern Minnesota.