A powerful winter system is sweeping across the Upper Midwest, burying communities in heavy snow and shutting down travel across large parts of Minnesota.

Officials say the storm, which intensified over the weekend, could become the largest snowfall event of the season, prompting widespread warnings, flight cancellations and emergency preparations across the region.

No Travel Advisory Issued for Southern Minnesota

Authorities issued a no travel advisory for several counties in southern Minnesota as visibility plummeted and roads rapidly disappeared under fresh snowfall.

The warning covers counties including Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona, areas where blizzard-like conditions have created dangerous driving environments.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported whiteout conditions across major highways, including stretches of Interstate 35 and Interstate 90.

“Snowplows are having difficulty in current conditions,” officials said. “Snowfall rates are covering roads faster than plows can clear driving lanes.”

National Guard Activated as Storm Intensifies

The severity of the storm pushed Tim Walz to sign an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to assist with emergency operations.

Guard units have been placed on standby across southern Minnesota, ready to respond if stranded motorists or rescue missions require support.

According to John McCrae, personnel are stationed at armories in Albert Lea, Fairmont, Owatonna, and Redwood Falls.

“We have armories all around the state, and that allows us to respond quickly in situations like this,” McCrae said.

Flights Grounded Across Minneapolis Airport

Travel disruptions extended far beyond the highways.

At Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, airlines canceled hundreds of flights as snow and strong winds battered the region.

Airport officials reported:

• 332 arriving flights canceled

• 360 departures canceled

• Only 125 arrivals and 96 departures operating on schedule

Airlines urged travelers to rebook flights rather than attempt to navigate the storm.

Snowfall Totals Climb Across the State

The storm began dumping heavy snow overnight Saturday and continued into Sunday.

Reports from National Weather Service and local observers showed impressive totals:

• Wabasha: around 15 inches of snow overnight

• Lakeville and Cannon Falls: more than 12 inches

• Savage: about 10.5 inches

• Champlin: 6.4 inches

• Edina: 5.7 inches

By 7 a.m. Sunday, the airport itself had recorded 7.3 inches, while the National Weather Service office in Chanhassen measured 7.6 inches.

Forecasters warned that another 6 to 10 inches could still fall across the Twin Cities, though the heaviest snowfall may shift slightly south.

Strong Winds Create Dangerous Visibility

In addition to snowfall, the storm unleashed powerful wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph, dramatically reducing visibility.

In Eden Prairie, visibility dropped to just three-quarters of a mile, making driving extremely hazardous.

Transportation officials warned that blowing snow is compounding already treacherous road conditions.

Roads Closed and Accidents Mount

The Minnesota State Patrol reported 49 property-damage crashes between midnight and early Sunday afternoon.

Authorities also recorded:

• 11 spinouts

• 211 vehicles sliding off roads

• 7 jackknifed semi-trucks

Two crashes resulted in injuries.

Meanwhile, officials said Interstate 35 southbound near Albert Lea would close by 3 p.m. Sunday, coordinating with similar closures across the border in Iowa.

Government and Schools Adjust Schedules

The winter storm is also disrupting government operations.

The Minnesota House of Representatives announced all committee meetings scheduled for Monday have been canceled.

Lawmakers plan to hold a 3:30 p.m. floor session, encouraging remote participation for members unable to travel safely.

The Minnesota Senate said its Monday committee meetings were still expected to proceed as scheduled.

Meanwhile, dozens of schools and community organizations are expected to remain closed as snow totals continue rising.

Cities Declare Snow Emergencies

Municipal leaders across the region have issued snow emergencies to keep streets clear for plows.

In Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey announced an emergency beginning 9 p.m. Sunday.

Similarly, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her urged residents to move vehicles early.

To help residents comply, Minneapolis opened temporary parking at the Salvation Army lot and the farmers market parking area.

Parking will remain free until Wednesday at 8 p.m., while Parking Ramp A downtown will charge only $1 starting Sunday.

In St. Paul, the Block 19 parking ramp opened Saturday evening for free public parking, and additional park lots may open depending on demand.

City officials also announced that garbage collection in St. Paul will be canceled Monday due to hazardous conditions.

A Storm Still Unfolding

With heavy snowfall, strong winds and plunging visibility, the winter storm continues to tighten its grip on Minnesota.

Officials warn that travel will remain dangerous through Monday, urging residents to stay home whenever possible while emergency crews battle one of the region’s most powerful storms of the season.