winter weather advisory

Twin Cities Weather: Heavy Snow and Blizzard Conditions Impact Travel

Meteorologist Matt Serwe of KSTP reports a Forecast First Alert remains in effect for Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026, due to heavy, wet snow impacting the south metro and blizzard conditions along the Minnesota River Valley in southwest Minnesota.

South Metro Snowfall and Commute Concerns

A band of heavy snow is developing over the south metro, with cities south of Highway 494, and most of Scott and Carver counties, expected to receive 3 to 4 inches of snow. Isolated areas could see up to 5 or 6 inches. The north metro may receive an additional inch or two through the evening.

Travel conditions are expected to be slower and slippery during the evening commute. Outside of cities, strong winds gusting up to 40 mph will create whiteout conditions, making travel particularly hazardous. Fortunately, temperatures near 30°F will aid road crews in applying salt and brine to highways.

Blizzard Conditions in Southwest Minnesota

Blizzard conditions are anticipated along the Minnesota River Valley in southwest Minnesota. These conditions pose significant risks to travelers and residents in the area.

Snow Tapering Overnight and Thursday’s Outlook

The heaviest snow is expected to end between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, gradually tapering to scattered snow showers overnight. Even as some slippery spots may remain on neighborhood streets early Thursday, the morning commute should see improved conditions.

Limited Snowfall Expected Thursday and Friday

Snow chances for Thursday and Friday are currently forecast to remain southeast of the Twin Cities. Southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin may receive an inch or two of snow through midday Friday. The Twin Cities are likely to see little to no accumulation.

Quiet and Cold Weekend Ahead

The weekend forecast calls for quiet conditions and colder temperatures. Highs are expected to fall into the low and mid 20s, with occasional flurries.

Understanding Winter Weather Alerts

Winter Storm Warnings, Blizzard Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories are issued when hazardous winter weather conditions are expected. A Blizzard Warning indicates sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater and considerable falling and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than ¼ mile for at least three hours. A Winter Storm Warning means significant accumulation of snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain is expected. A Winter Weather Advisory means conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous to those who travel.

Pro Tip

Before traveling during winter weather, check road conditions with MnDOT’s 511 system. Allow extra travel time and reduce your speed.

FAQ

Q: What areas are most impacted by the current weather system?
A: The south metro and the Minnesota River Valley in southwest Minnesota are experiencing the most significant impacts.

Q: How long will the blizzard conditions last?
A: Blizzard conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday evening in the Minnesota River Valley.

Q: Will the Twin Cities see significant snowfall?
A: The Twin Cities are expected to receive 1-2 inches of snow, with higher amounts possible south of Highway 494.

Q: What should I do to prepare for cold weather?
A: Dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Stay tuned to KSTP for the latest updates on this developing weather situation.

Want more weather updates? Visit KSTP’s weather page for the latest forecasts and radar information.

The Looming Threat of Intensified Winter Weather: Trends and Preparedness

The recent forecast for near-blizzard conditions in the Omaha area isn’t an isolated event. It’s a signal of a broader trend: increasingly volatile and severe winter weather patterns across much of North America. While winter storms are a natural occurrence, climate change and atmospheric dynamics are contributing to their intensification, posing significant challenges to infrastructure, public safety, and economic stability.

This isn’t simply about colder temperatures. It’s about the confluence of factors – warmer Arctic air masses colliding with colder polar air, increased moisture in the atmosphere, and shifts in the jet stream – creating conditions ripe for extreme snowfall, damaging winds, and dangerous wind chills.

OMAHA, Neb. —

The increasing frequency and intensity of these events demand a proactive approach, encompassing improved forecasting, enhanced infrastructure resilience, and heightened public awareness.

The Science Behind the Storms

For decades, scientists have warned about the potential for climate change to disrupt established weather patterns. The Arctic is warming at roughly twice the rate of the global average, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. This warming reduces the temperature difference between the Arctic and mid-latitudes, weakening the polar vortex – a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both poles.

A weakened polar vortex becomes more susceptible to disruptions, allowing frigid Arctic air to plunge southward, sometimes reaching as far as the central United States. Simultaneously, a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier snowfall when that cold air encounters sources of humidity, like the Great Lakes or the Gulf of Mexico. Recent research published in Nature Climate Change (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-021-01289-7) supports the link between Arctic warming and increased extreme weather events in North America and Eurasia.

The Role of the Jet Stream

The jet stream, a fast-flowing air current in the upper atmosphere, plays a crucial role in steering weather systems. Changes in Arctic temperatures can cause the jet stream to become wavier, creating more pronounced north-south meanders. These meanders can stall, leading to prolonged periods of cold, snowy weather in some regions and unusually warm conditions in others. A stalled jet stream pattern contributed significantly to the Texas freeze of February 2021, which caused widespread power outages and billions of dollars in damage.

Infrastructure at Risk

Our infrastructure, largely designed for historical climate conditions, is increasingly vulnerable to these intensified winter storms. Power grids are susceptible to ice accumulation and high winds, leading to outages. Transportation networks – roads, railways, and airports – can be paralyzed by heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions. Water pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting, causing property damage and disrupting essential services.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) consistently gives America’s infrastructure a C- grade, highlighting the need for significant investment in modernization and resilience. Investing in underground power lines, strengthening bridges and roadways, and improving water pipe insulation are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of extreme winter weather.

Preparing for the Future: A Multi-faceted Approach

Addressing the challenges posed by intensified winter weather requires a comprehensive strategy involving improved forecasting, infrastructure upgrades, and public preparedness.

Enhanced Forecasting: Investing in advanced weather modeling and observation technologies, such as Doppler radar and satellite imagery, can improve the accuracy and lead time of winter storm warnings.
Infrastructure Resilience: Prioritizing infrastructure projects that enhance resilience to extreme weather events, including burying power lines, strengthening bridges, and improving drainage systems.
Public Awareness: Educating the public about the risks of winter storms and promoting preparedness measures, such as creating emergency kits, winterizing homes, and knowing evacuation routes.
Community Planning: Developing comprehensive emergency management plans that address the specific vulnerabilities of local communities.

Pro Tip: Don’t rely solely on official warnings. Stay informed by monitoring multiple weather sources, including the National Weather Service, local news outlets, and weather apps.

The Economic Impact

The economic costs of intensified winter storms are substantial. Beyond the direct costs of damage repair and emergency response, disruptions to transportation, commerce, and tourism can have cascading effects on the economy. The Texas freeze of 2021, for example, caused an estimated $195 billion in economic losses, according to a report by the Perryman Group (https://www.perrymangroup.com/texas-winter-storm-uri-economic-impact/).

December 28, 2025 0 comments