Travel Not Advised in Parts of Southern Minnesota as Major Snowstorm Winds Down A major snowstorm sweeping through southern Minnesota is gradually easing, but hazardous conditions remain, prompting authorities to issue warnings and take emergency measures. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to assist with emergency operations until the storm’s effects subside. The state’s transportation department reported ongoing challenges, including plows becoming temporarily stuck and roads remaining difficult to navigate. The storm has caused widespread disruptions, including hundreds of flight cancellations at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Airlines are advising travelers to rebook flights as the situation continues to impact air travel. Snowfall totals have exceeded a foot in many areas, with Wabasha recording over 20 inches and Rochester seeing nearly 14 inches. Closer to the Twin Cities, Prior Lake received 13.7 inches, while Maple Grove and Eagan each saw 10 inches. School districts across the region have canceled classes for Monday, with St. Paul Public Schools and Minneapolis Public Schools declaring severe weather days. Pre-K through fifth-grade students in Minneapolis will miss school, while middle and high schoolers will have e-learning days. St. Paul Public Schools also canceled all athletic events and after-school activities, though varsity athletics may proceed at the discretion of site administrators. The Minnesota House of Representatives canceled all Monday committee meetings due to the storm, though the Senate plans to hold its scheduled sessions. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Transportation closed Interstate 35 southbound at Albert Lea by 3 p.m.#minnesota_national_guard #minnesota_gov_tim_walz #minneapolis_st_paul_international_airport #st_paul_public_schools #minneapolis_public_schools
Winter Storm Continues To Drop Snow In Minneapolis A major winter storm is sweeping across the Midwest, bringing record snowfall to parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, while severe weather is disrupting multiple regions of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued warnings of dangerous conditions, including whiteout visibility, hazardous icing, and potential power outages. In Minnesota, the storm is expected to deliver up to 18 inches of snow, with blizzard-like conditions developing due to strong winds and heavy precipitation. The storm, known as Winter Storm Iona, has already caused significant disruptions. In Minnesota, the Minnesota National Guard has been activated to assist with emergency operations as the state prepares for the worst. Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order to deploy the Guard, citing the severity of the storm. A winter storm warning is in effect for central and southern Minnesota, with snowfall forecasts reaching 12 to 18 inches in the metro area. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph are expected, which could create blizzard conditions, particularly overnight and into Sunday morning. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, a powerful Kona low has led to catastrophic flooding, with over 65,000 residents still without power. Torrential rains have caused widespread damage, including a home in Lao Valley being completely ripped from its foundation. Flash flood warnings remain active across multiple islands as the storm continues to dump heavy rainfall. Governor Josh Green has issued an emergency proclamation to address the crisis. The storm’s impact extends beyond the Midwest. In the Desert Southwest, a heat wave is pushing temperatures to 100 degrees or higher, with some areas experiencing highs in the 90s and even triple digits.#hawaii #winter_storm_iona #minnesota_national_guard #governor_tim_walz #kona_low
