Winter weather alerts were issued across the central United States on Monday as a dangerous winter storm hit the region, bringing heavy snow and freezing temperatures. The National Weather Service issued alerts for multiple states, including Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Freezing temperatures as low as 24 degrees Fahrenheit were expected in some areas, with snowfall reported in several states.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the storm brought the biggest snowstorm of the season, with more than 8 inches of snow falling in the city. The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport reported 8.2 inches of snow by Monday morning, marking the largest snowfall of the season and breaking the record for March 24th. Despite the heavy snow, Minneapolis was still below the historical average for seasonal snowfall before the recent storm hit. The wintry weather was expected to continue through Tuesday, with the possibility of a changeover to rain before transitioning back to snow and freezing rain, potentially causing difficult travel conditions.
As the storm moves out of the region, additional snowfall is expected across southwestern Nebraska to the Great Lakes, with up to 18 inches expected in central South Dakota to northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Meteorologists warned of potential freezing rain or sleet on Tuesday morning, which could further impact travel. Another system could potentially impact the central U.S. region next weekend, although it is still uncertain if it will affect the Twin Cities area.
Overall, the winter storm brought significant snowfall and freezing temperatures to the central U.S., prompting winter weather alerts and warnings across multiple states. The storm caused the biggest snowstorm of the season in Minneapolis, where more than 8 inches of snow fell, breaking records for snowfall. Travel conditions were expected to be difficult due to the possibility of a changeover from rain to snow and freezing rain, with additional snow accumulation forecasted for the region as the storm moves out. Another system may impact the central U.S. next weekend, but it is too early to determine the specific impacts on the Twin Cities area.
