Lifestyle Trend: Urgent Blizzard Warning Issued for Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota You Should Know

Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota are bracing for a dangerous winter storm as the National Weather Service issues Blizzard Warnings for multiple counties across the region.

With high winds and near-zero visibility, travel is being strongly discouraged through Wednesday evening.

Blizzard Conditions Threaten Upper Midwest

A rapidly intensifying winter storm is sweeping across parts of the Upper Midwest today, with blizzard warnings now in effect for large portions of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a series of urgent winter weather messages, warning residents of life-threatening travel conditions, dangerously low visibility, and powerful wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Counties Under Blizzard Warnings

According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, the following counties are directly impacted:

• South Dakota: Beadle, Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody
• Minnesota: Redwood, Brown, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Martin, Faribault, Freeborn, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles, Jackson, Pipestone, and Rock
• Iowa: Osceola, Dickinson, Clay, Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Palo Alto, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Wright, Franklin, Butler, Bremer, Grundy, and Black Hawk

Blizzard Warnings began midmorning and are expected to remain in effect until 6 PM CST or later, depending on the area.

Whiteout Conditions and High Wind Gusts

Residents can expect total snow accumulations of up to two inches, but the real danger lies in the wind. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts peaking between 55 and 60 mph, are expected to whip through the region, leading to whiteout conditions and blowing snow that could reduce visibility to under a quarter-mile in some locations.

The NWS Twin Cities office warns that “whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.“

Impact on Travel and Safety Warnings

Transportation departments across the affected states are urging extreme caution. Slippery roads, snow-covered highways, and reduced visibility are making both urban and rural travel dangerous.

“If you must travel, carry a winter survival kit and remain with your vehicle if stranded,” the NWS advises. “Road conditions can be checked by calling 511 or visiting your state’s travel website.”

Many local authorities have also issued emergency travel advisories, and some schools and businesses have closed preemptively.

What’s Making This Storm So Dangerous?

While many winter storms bring heavier snowfall, this system’s threat lies in the combination of light, powdery snow and extreme wind speeds. Snow that has already fallen is being lifted into the air, reducing visibility even when precipitation has stopped.

Additionally, temperatures are expected to fall rapidly behind the front, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone caught outdoors without proper gear.

Commuters Urged to Stay Off Roads

The Wednesday evening commute poses a serious danger. Visibility is expected to fluctuate between 1/4 and 1/2 mile, occasionally dropping to near zero during peak wind gusts.

State Patrols in all three states are discouraging non-essential travel, and snow plows may have difficulty keeping roads clear due to continuous drifting.

Precautions and Emergency Preparations

Residents are urged to:

• Postpone travel until conditions improve
• Prepare emergency kits with blankets, water, food, flashlights, and chargers
• Keep gas tanks at least half full
• Stay updated on local weather alerts through weather.gov or NOAA Weather Radio

If stranded, stay in your vehicle. Do not attempt to walk for help in low-visibility conditions.

Flight Delays and Regional Disruptions

Major airports such as Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP) and Des Moines International have reported minor delays and some flight cancellations, particularly to and from impacted areas. Airlines are advising travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Looking Ahead: When Will It End?

The storm is expected to move out of the region by late Wednesday night, though residual blowing snow may continue into early Thursday in rural and open areas. Temperatures are forecast to drop sharply overnight, making icy road conditions a lingering concern into Thursday morning.