As holiday travel ramps up ahead of Thanksgiving, the Twin Cities are bracing for the season’s first major snowstorm. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning that will be in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, through 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 26. Forecasters are warning of snow, gusty winds, and hazardous travel conditions across parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The Twin Cities are expected to receive between four and eight inches of snow by Wednesday morning. Rain will transition to snow late Tuesday evening as colder air moves in, and winds will pick up, creating blowing snow and reduced visibility. While this storm isn’t expected to break any snowfall records, residents should be ready with shovels, scrapers, gloves, coats, and umbrellas.
Tuesday itself will start off mild and drizzly, with a high around 48 degrees and breezy conditions in the afternoon. Temperatures will drop significantly overnight, with highs only reaching 27 degrees as snow begins to fall. The NWS cautions that travel could become dangerous overnight. For anyone planning to travel, especially north of the Twin Cities, it’s recommended to either travel Tuesday morning or wait until Wednesday afternoon. Non-essential travel during the overnight hours is strongly discouraged. Drivers can check Minnesota road conditions at 511mn.org and Wisconsin road conditions at 511wi.gov for the latest updates.
Snowfall will vary across the region. Central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin are expected to see the heaviest accumulation, around six inches, while southern Minnesota and parts of west central Wisconsin could see one to three inches. In the metro area, residents can expect anywhere from four to eight inches. Snow may fall at rates of about an inch per hour during the heaviest periods, and gusty winds will make conditions even more challenging.
By the time the storm moves out Wednesday morning, the area will be blanketed in snow, creating typical winter driving hazards such as slick roads and low visibility. This storm is the first significant snowfall of the season, signaling the start of the winter weather season in the region.
Thanksgiving Day is expected to be much calmer but cold. The forecast currently calls for partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid-20s. While snow from this storm may still linger on roads and sidewalks, conditions are expected to improve, making it safer for holiday activities and gatherings.
Residents are urged to prepare for the storm by securing winter gear, checking road conditions, and planning travel carefully. With winter weather officially arriving in the Twin Cities, it’s a good reminder to bundle up and drive cautiously.
