Blizzard Warning Issued for Meeker and McLeod Counties; Up to 18 Inches of Snow Expected
This alert is no longer in effect.
NOAA issued it on April 6, 2026, 4 months ago. Warnings of this kind stay in effect for hours to a few days, so this page is a historical record of what was issued, not a current warning. For conditions where you are right now, check weather.gov (US), weather.gc.ca (Canada), the Met Office (UK), or the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia).
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The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Meeker and McLeod counties as a major winter storm brings heavy snow and dangerous whiteout conditions to central Minnesota.
Read this weather record in 30 seconds
- Record type
- Blizzard Warning
- Affected area
- Central Minnesota
- Issued
- April 6, 2026
- Issuing authority
- NWS Twin Cities
Winter notices differ by expected impact and timing. The original notice carries the forecast window and any travel guidance for the named area.
Record status: historical. It was issued 4 months ago; use the issuing agency's live warning service for current conditions in Central Minnesota.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN has issued a Blizzard Warning for portions of central Minnesota. This follows a Winter Storm Warning as a powerful system moves through the Upper Midwest. The alert signifies that blizzard conditions, including significant blowing snow and strong winds, are likely to make travel life-threatening.
Affected Areas
The primary areas under this warning include:
- Meeker County
- McLeod County
Expected Conditions
Residents should prepare for extreme weather conditions throughout the duration of the storm:
- Snow Accumulation: An initial Winter Storm Warning period is expected to bring 11 to 15 inches of snow, followed by an additional 1 to 3 inches during the Blizzard Warning phase. Total accumulations across central Minnesota are forecast between 12 and 18 inches, with rates of 2 to 2.5 inches per hour possible.
- Wind Speeds: Northwest winds will increase on Sunday, gusting between 35 and 45 mph. Some gusts in the region could reach 50 to 55 mph.
- Visibility: Whiteout conditions are expected due to the combination of falling and blowing snow, significantly reducing visibility.
- Hazards: The snow will be heavy and wet, posing a risk for infrastructure damage and health hazards for those shoveling. Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches.
Timeline
- Winter Storm Warning: In effect from 4:00 PM Saturday, March 14, until 10:00 AM CDT Sunday, March 15.
- Blizzard Warning: In effect from 10:00 AM Sunday, March 15, until 4:00 AM CDT Monday, March 16.
What You Should Do
The National Weather Service advises that travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle.
Prepare now for potential road closures and shelter in place once conditions worsen. Remember that if interstate highways are closed, secondary state and county roads will also be impassable. For the latest road conditions, call 5-1-1 or visit 511mn.org.
Original source: NOAA Official Notice ↗
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