Lingering Precipitation Threatens Twin Cities Morning Commutes Amid Winter Weather Alerts Winter weather alerts remain active in the Twin Cities on Thursday as precipitation poses a risk of disrupting morning commutes. Forecasters warn of sleet and freezing rain near the metropolitan area, with wet and potentially icy road conditions expected for travelers heading to work. A winter storm warning is in effect for the region until noon, while much of the rest of Minnesota is under a winter weather advisory. WCCO has also issued a NEXT Weather Alert to keep the public informed of developing conditions. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, emphasizing the potential for hazardous travel. The storm system is expected to bring a mix of freezing rain and sleet, with temperatures hovering near freezing. This combination could lead to the formation of black ice on roadways, particularly during the early morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, use headlights, and avoid sudden braking to prevent accidents. The weather conditions have already begun to impact local schools. Several Minnesota districts have announced closures or delayed start times for Thursday, with some transitioning to virtual learning to ensure student safety. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, as the storm’s intensity could lead to further disruptions. Parents and educators are encouraged to check for updates from their respective school districts before planning travel or attendance. As the storm progresses, conditions are expected to improve by evening. Precipitation will shift to rain in the southern parts of the state, while slushy snow will linger in the northern regions.#national_weather_service #minnesota #twin_cities #wcco #winter_storm_warning
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
“No Kings” Protests Spread Across the U.S., With a Focus on Minnesota Protests under the “No Kings” banner have erupted across the United States, with a significant emphasis on Minnesota. Saturday’s demonstrations marked the third round of nationwide rallies since President Donald Trump began his second term. The movement, which gained momentum following the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, has seen widespread participation, with over 3,300 events planned across all 50 states. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., are expected to host large crowds, while organizers have also targeted conservative-leaning regions outside major urban centers. The “No Kings” movement, initiated by the progressive nonprofit Indivisible, aims to mobilize voters in areas that typically lean conservative. According to organizers, approximately two-thirds of participants are expected to attend events in non-metropolitan regions. Leah Greenberg, a cofounder of Indivisible, emphasized that the defining aspect of Saturday’s protests is not just the number of participants but their geographic distribution. “The defining story of this Saturday’s mobilisation is not just how many people are protesting, but where they are protesting,” she stated. The focal point of the protests in Minnesota, however, was the Twin Cities, where Trump’s immigration policies have drawn intense scrutiny. In December, the state became a central location for Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration crackdown that deployed over 3,000 agents to conduct deportation raids. Critics accused the operation of using excessive force, leading to widespread condemnation. The controversy escalated in January when two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, were shot and killed by agents during a raid.#twin_cities #operation_metro_surge #indivisible #no_kings #bernie_sanders
Twin Cities Experience Cold, Quiet Workweek Before Weekend Fire Threat The Twin Cities are set for a chilly and calm conclusion to the workweek, with temperatures dropping to their lowest point of the week on Friday. High pressure is expected to move into the region by late afternoon, bringing some relief over the weekend. However, Friday will mark the coldest day of the week, with high temperatures in the upper 30s, which is nearly 20 degrees below the average for this time of year. Strong gusts of up to 30 miles per hour will persist through the afternoon, but skies are expected to clear up as the evening progresses, with winds gradually easing. The high-pressure system will shift eastward by Saturday, altering wind direction to the south and initiating a warming trend that will continue through the weekend. Saturday’s temperatures will rise to the 50s, with southerly winds returning to near 30 mph. This combination will create an increased risk of wildfires in the metropolitan area and surrounding regions to the south and west. Sunday is anticipated to be the most favorable day of the weekend, with temperatures reaching the 60s and calmer conditions. Looking ahead, the upcoming week is expected to start with milder weather, though the pattern is projected to become more active as April begins. The transition to spring is likely to bring a mix of cooler and warmer conditions, with the potential for more variable weather as the season progresses. The National Weather Service has issued a fire danger alert for the region, urging residents to exercise caution with outdoor activities, especially in areas with dry vegetation. Local authorities are also advising communities to prepare for potential fire outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of having emergency plans in place.#national_weather_service #local_authorities #twin_cities #wildfire_risk #fire_danger_alert
Twin Cities residents earn national honor for peaceful protest during ICE surge The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum honored Minnesotans and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell with the Profile in Courage Award, recognizing their actions during the heightened immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. The award, traditionally reserved for presidents, first responders, and heads of state, was presented to Twin Cities residents for their role in peacefully resisting federal overreach and safeguarding immigrant rights amid the surge. The recognition highlights the community’s collective effort to protect neighbors during the immigration crackdown, which led to two U.S. citizen deaths, hundreds of arrests, and significant economic disruption for local businesses. The library’s statement emphasized the courage of tens of thousands who marched, documented enforcement activities, and warned neighbors about federal agents’ presence. Despite facing violent confrontations and personal risks, residents across religious, racial, and political lines united in peaceful resistance, reinforcing the national movement to defend American democracy. The award also acknowledged Jerome Powell for his role in preserving the Federal Reserve’s independence, a position that has made him a target of President Donald Trump. Caroline Kennedy and her son, Jack Schlossberg, will present the award to Powell and Twin Cities residents via livestream on May 31. This marks one of the first instances the Profile in Courage Award has been given to civilians for their actions during Operation Metro Surge. The recognition was partly inspired by a campaign led by The Nation magazine and actor Mark Ruffalo, who urged citizens to nominate Minneapolis for a Nobel Peace Prize.#twin_cities #jerome_powell #operation_metro_surge #john_f_kennedy_library_and_museum #the_nation_magazine
Weather Impact Alert: Two more chances of snow Thursday evening, this weekend A sudden snowfall event on Thursday could disrupt evening commutes, with a more substantial snow system potentially impacting the weekend. Winter weather is expected to continue affecting the region, prompting the KARE 11 weather team to issue two Weather Impact Alerts for possible snowfall that could alter travel plans and weekend activities. The first alert, active from 3 p.m. Thursday through Friday morning, warns of rain transitioning to a brief snowfall in the metro area. This could lead to hazardous conditions during the evening commute. While precipitation is anticipated to subside by Thursday night, strong wind gusts are expected to persist through the Friday morning rush hour. A winter storm warning has been issued for northeastern Minnesota, where higher snow totals are forecast. The second alert, set to begin Saturday evening and last through Sunday, highlights a more organized weather system moving into the Upper Midwest. This system could bring "plowable" snowfall to the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota, though details about its exact path and snowfall amounts remain uncertain. The storm is still several days away, leaving many questions about its potential impact. Residents are advised to monitor updates from the KARE 11 weather team for the latest forecast details and timing adjustments. The alerts underscore the ongoing challenges posed by winter weather, emphasizing the need for preparedness as the season progresses.#winter_weather #kare_11 #twin_cities #upper_midwest #northeastern_minnesota
