Minnesota Faces Icy Conditions and Winter Storm Warnings as Freezing Rain Looms A significant wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is set to impact Minnesota overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings and advisories for the state, with freezing rain expected to coat roads and surfaces, leading to icy conditions during the early hours of Thursday. The storm system is projected to bring a combination of precipitation types, including snow, sleet, and rain, with temperatures dropping below freezing in key areas. The storm’s timeline begins late Wednesday, with light rain and a mix of snow and sleet arriving in the Twin Cities metro area between 6 p.m. and midnight. Temperatures during this period will remain in the upper 30s, with conditions gradually worsening as the night progresses. From midnight to 6 a.m. Thursday, sleet and freezing rain are anticipated, accompanied by a drop in temperatures to the low 30s. Gusty easterly winds will exacerbate the hazardous conditions, making travel difficult at times due to icy and slushy roadways. By 6 a.m. Thursday, road conditions are expected to improve slightly, though precipitation will transition to mainly rain as temperatures rise into the mid-30s. The National Weather Service has activated a winter weather advisory for much of Minnesota from midnight through Thursday, highlighting the potential for mixed precipitation and reduced visibility. A winter storm warning is in effect for areas near the Twin Cities metro and the Arrowhead region through noon Thursday. This warning covers counties such as Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington, as well as parts of Chippewa, Eau Claire, and Scott counties.#national_weather_service #minnesota #north_shore #twin_cities #arrowhead_region
