Local Weather & Crime Brief

# Winter Storm Continues to Devastate Eight States with Heavy Snow, Ice, and Winds: Latest Developments A relentless and historically severe winter storm persists across the Midwest and Great Lakes region, unleashing a dangerous combination of heavy snowfall, treacherous ice, and destructive winds across eight states. As this multi-day weather event endures, its impacts have intensified, underscoring the urgent need for community vigilance, coordinated emergency response, and ongoing preparedness. ## Escalating Impacts and Recent Developments Meteorologists confirm that the storm’s ferocity has escalated dramatically, with peak conditions forecasted late this morning through the evening. Emergency agencies are operating at full capacity, issuing heightened alerts, and deploying resources to manage widespread disruptions. ### Record Snowfall and Ice Accumulation - **Snow Totals**: - **Northern Minnesota** has experienced **up to 38 inches** of snow, marking one of the most significant accumulations in recent history. - The Twin Cities metro area has received between **1 and 7 inches**, with localized spots experiencing higher totals as storm bands shifted through. - Other regions across northern and central Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio are seeing **widespread snowfall of 12–14 inches**. - **Freezing Rain and Sleet**: Heavy freezing rain has resulted in **slick, hazardous roads** and **ice buildup on power lines and trees**, leading to **extensive power outages**. Thousands of residents remain in the dark as utility crews face dangerous conditions working amidst ice-laden infrastructure. ### Wind Gusts and Visibility Challenges - **High winds** are reaching **40 to 60 mph**, creating **blowing and drifting snow** that significantly reduce visibility and produce **whiteout conditions** in many areas. - These gusts have **hampered rescue efforts**, complicating the ability of emergency responders to reach stranded residents or deliver aid effectively. ### Widespread Disruptions - **Traffic accidents** have surged, with the Minnesota State Patrol responding to **hundreds of crashes**. - **Travel bans and advisories** are in effect across several states, urging residents to **stay indoors** unless travel is essential. - The storm’s severity has **overwhelmed transportation and emergency services**, underscoring the importance of community cooperation and caution. ### Utility and Emergency Response Strain Utility crews are **working tirelessly** to restore power, but the extent of ice damage has **stretched resources thin**. Many affected areas face **long-lasting outages**, with some communities under **boil water advisories** due to compromised water infrastructure. ## Recent and Upcoming Weather Developments ### A Brief Warm Spell Before the Storm Prior to the storm’s peak, some residents in Minnesota and neighboring states enjoyed **a brief respite with temperatures exceeding 50°F for several days**. This unusual warm spell created a false sense of relief but was quickly overshadowed by the storm’s arrival. Meteorologists warn that **this warmth was temporary**, serving as a fleeting prelude to extreme cold and snow. ### Multiple Storms on the Horizon Forecast models now project **two additional winter storm systems** targeting the region later this week, which could prolong the crisis: - A **second system** is expected to arrive as early as **Wednesday**, bringing **more snow, colder temperatures, and mixed precipitation**—including sleet and rain—further complicating recovery efforts. - Some regions could see **up to 15 more inches** of snow, especially in northern Minnesota, exacerbating existing hazards. - Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard emphasizes that these storms are part of an **extended cold snap** characterized by **variable weather patterns** that challenge both residents and emergency responders. ### Local Forecasts and Transition Periods - In **Minneapolis–St. Paul**, residents are preparing for **rain overnight Tuesday into Wednesday**, followed by a **transition back to snow** midweek. - The forecast indicates **variable conditions** with **additional snow accumulations** and fluctuating temperatures, prompting authorities to **closely monitor weather updates** and **adjust response plans** accordingly. ## Specific Weather Updates and Safety Recommendations ### Short-term Forecast: Rain to Snow Transition Recent reports highlight that **the Twin Cities metro area** will experience **rain and possible thunderstorms overnight into Monday**, with **temperatures remaining mild**. This brief warm-up has **temporarily eased some conditions**, but **significant hazards remain** as colder air moves in. By **midday Wednesday**, a **transition from rain to snow** is expected across central Minnesota, with **1 to 2 inches** of additional snow likely to fall, adding to ongoing dangers such as slick roads and reduced visibility. ### Safety Tips for Residents and Travelers - **Limit travel**: Avoid unnecessary trips, especially during peak storm hours. - **Emergency supplies**: Stockpile water, non-perishable food, medications, blankets, batteries, and other essentials. - **Device charging**: Keep electronic devices charged in case of power outages. - **Alternative heating**: Prepare safe heating sources like fireplaces, portable heaters (with proper ventilation), or generators. - **Stay informed**: Regularly check updates from the **National Weather Service** and local authorities for real-time alerts and safety instructions. - **Drive cautiously**: If travel is unavoidable, equip vehicles with snow tires, carry emergency kits, and drive slowly. ## Visual Evidence and Public Response A recent **YouTube video titled "MN weather: Hundreds of crashes during winter storm"** vividly illustrates the severity: > *"The Minnesota State Patrol responded to hundreds of crashes during the winter storm, illustrating the dangerous road conditions caused by ice, snow, and high winds."* (Duration: 2:43, Views: 7,989, Likes: 81, Comments: 22) Additionally, a **video titled "Freezing rain creating icy roads in metro area"** provides stark visual evidence of the hazardous conditions: > *"Traffic is moving slowly across the Twin Cities as freezing rain coats roads and trees, making travel extremely dangerous."* (Duration: 2:32, Views: 18,461, Likes: 84, Comments: 30) These visual accounts underscore the **urgent need for caution** and highlight the importance of **adhering to travel advisories**. ## Broader Implications and Outlook This ongoing winter storm exemplifies the **extreme weather challenges** characteristic of this record-breaking winter season. The combination of **heavy snow, ice, and fierce winds** has caused widespread disruption, power outages, and safety hazards. - Emergency responders are **operating at capacity**, but **public cooperation** remains essential to mitigate injuries and prevent further crises. - The forecasted additional storms threaten to **extend the winter hardship**, with prolonged cold and snow impacting daily life, infrastructure, and economic activity. ## Current Status and Future Outlook - The storm remains **active and extremely dangerous**, with **ongoing heavy snow, ice accumulation, and high winds** causing widespread impacts. - Conditions are **expected to worsen overnight**, with continued snowfalls and persistent wind gusts threatening more outages and travel disruptions. - The upcoming **midweek storm systems** will likely prolong the crisis, bringing **additional snow and mixed precipitation** that will challenge recovery efforts. ### Recent and Notable Updates Adding to the urgency, **FOX 9** provided a **forecast update from meteorologist Keith Marler** on Friday, February 20, 2026: > *"The latest forecast underscores that conditions are expected to remain hazardous through the weekend, with additional snow and cold temperatures expected. Residents are advised to stay indoors and monitor local alerts."* This forecast reinforces that the storm's impact is far from over, and continued vigilance is essential. ## Immediate Situation and Community Response As of now, **the storm shows no signs of abating**, and authorities urge residents to **remain indoors** until conditions significantly improve. Utility companies are working tirelessly to restore power, but many communities face **extended outages**. Emergency services continue to respond to accidents, stranded motorists, and infrastructure damage. **Public cooperation** remains critical: obeying travel bans, preparing emergency kits, and staying informed through trusted sources like the **National Weather Service** and local officials can help mitigate risks. ## Final Remarks This ongoing winter storm underscores the **extreme and unpredictable nature of this winter season**. The widespread impacts across eight states highlight the importance of **community resilience, emergency preparedness, and patience**. Residents are urged to **remain vigilant, stay informed**, and **prioritize safety** as the region navigates through this historic weather event. **With multiple storm systems forecasted ahead, the region must brace for continued challenges. Authorities and residents alike must work together to weather this unprecedented winter assault.**

# Spring 2026 Tornado Warning Continues to Impact Minneapolis and Rochester: Critical Updates and Safety Guidance As spring 2026 continues to be one of Minnesota’s most volatile and unpredictable seasons in recent memory, residents are confronting an unprecedented combination of severe weather phenomena. The persistent tornado warning for Minneapolis, Rochester, and surrounding regions remains active into late evening, highlighting a complex storm system that has already caused widespread disruptions, safety hazards, and infrastructural damage. This ongoing event underscores the extraordinary interactions between severe thunderstorms and winter conditions that have come to define this extraordinary spring. ## Main Event: Persistent Tornado Threat Extending Into the Night The tornado warning issued earlier today remains in effect, with meteorologists warning of a **peak hazardous activity window between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.** local time. Radar imagery continues to reveal robust, rotating thunderstorms capable of producing multiple tornadoes across the region. Forecasters have observed sustained cyclonic rotation over critical areas, emphasizing that the **risk of significant tornadoes, damaging winds exceeding 70 mph, large hail, and flash flooding** persists well into the night. Emergency officials stress the urgency of immediate protective actions, as the storm’s projected path indicates multiple potential touchdowns, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods and densely populated zones. The situation remains **high-risk**, with authorities cautioning residents that ongoing storm activity could cause severe structural damage and dangerous conditions if precautions are not taken. ### Key Hazards and Risks - **Tornado Formation**: Radar shows well-organized storm cells with the potential for significant, possibly long-track tornadoes. Several have already been reported in rural and suburban areas, with additional touchdowns expected. - **Damaging Winds**: Gusts are forecasted to surpass **70 mph**, capable of uprooting trees, downing power lines, and damaging buildings. - **Large Hail and Flooding**: Heavy hailstones—some exceeding baseball size—along with flash floods threaten urban lowlands and flood-prone regions, especially in areas already saturated from earlier rains. - **Extended Duration**: The storm system’s persistence into late evening and possibly overnight heightens danger, maintaining severe weather conditions across the state. ## Immediate Safety Recommendations Emergency officials are urging all residents to act swiftly: - **Seek shelter immediately** in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior walls. - **Avoid travel** unless absolutely necessary during the active warning period. - Keep **emergency kits** stocked with essentials—batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, medications. - **Monitor official sources** such as local news, weather alerts, and emergency broadcasts for real-time updates. - **Charge communication devices** and review family emergency plans to ensure everyone understands safety procedures. First responders remain on high alert, prepared to assist with injuries, property damage, and rescue operations. Conditions can change rapidly; **indoor safety remains the top priority** until authorities declare the threat over. ## Additional Hazards and Overnight Outlook Forecasts now indicate that **the storm system will linger into late night hours**, bringing continued hazards such as: - **Overnight storm activity**: Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and the potential for additional tornadoes pose ongoing risks, with localized flash flooding and large hail. - **Transition to wintry conditions in northern and metro Minnesota**: As colder Arctic air continues to press southward, a **wintry mix or snowfall** is expected, complicating travel and emergency responses. Recent reports indicate **snow totals reaching up to 38 inches** in northern Minnesota, severely impacting mobility and infrastructure. - **Icy roads and reduced visibility**: The storm has evolved to produce freezing rain and icy conditions across the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, creating treacherous travel environments overnight. A recent video from local sources highlights **traffic moving slowly across the metro due to icy roads and freezing rain**—a scenario that will likely worsen as temperatures fall. ### Snowfall and Icing Details - **Northern Minnesota** has experienced extraordinary snowfall, with **up to 38 inches** reported in some areas, making it one of the heaviest snowfalls of the season. - **Twin Cities Metro** and nearby regions have received **1 to 7 inches**, but ongoing cold conditions and additional snow accumulation threaten to hinder cleanup and prolong power outages. - **Freezing rain** is creating **slick, icy roads** across the metro area. This has led to numerous accidents, road closures, and hazardous travel conditions. The video evidence shows **traffic crawling slowly** under the weight of ice, underscoring the dangerous environment residents face overnight. ## Understanding the Storm Dynamics This rare and challenging weather pattern results from an **intense low-pressure system** interacting with incoming cold Arctic air, producing a **dual threat** of severe thunderstorms and winter precipitation simultaneously. As FOX 9’s Cody Matz recently explained, such complex storms are becoming more frequent due to climate variability, although historically they are rare. The combination of warm, moist Gulf air and frigid Arctic air creates a **volatile environment** conducive to both tornado formation and winter storms, complicating forecast accuracy and emergency response plans. ## Recent Community Impact and Response The severe weather has already caused significant disruption: - **Transportation**: Many roads are closed due to fallen trees, flooding, and ice patches. Emergency responders have responded to multiple crashes, emphasizing the hazards of icy and flooded roads. - **Aviation**: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport reports ongoing flight cancellations and delays, disrupting regional travel and commerce. - **Schools and Businesses**: Many educational institutions have shifted to remote learning or temporarily closed, and numerous businesses have reduced hours or halted operations for safety. - **Power and Infrastructure**: Widespread power outages are reported across the metro and northern Minnesota, with fallen trees and ice damaging power lines. Restoration efforts are underway but may take days given the extent of damage. ## Broader Context and Future Risks This storm system is part of an **extraordinarily active spring**, characterized by multiple severe weather episodes. Meteorologists warn that **additional tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flooding** are likely in the coming days. The interaction of cold Arctic air with warm, moist Gulf air creates a **highly volatile** environment, increasing the likelihood of both severe thunderstorms and winter weather. Recent snowfall in northern Minnesota—up to 38 inches—and ongoing severe storms threaten to sustain a **prolonged emergency**, with **frozen roads, power outages, and infrastructure damage** potentially lasting for days. Emergency officials emphasize the importance of community preparedness, resilience, and patience during this challenging period. ## Current Status and Next Steps As of now, the **tornado warning remains active**, and emergency services remain on high alert. Residents should: - **Stay tuned to official updates** via local news, weather alerts, and emergency management channels. - **Follow safety protocols diligently**—seek shelter immediately, avoid travel, and keep emergency supplies at hand. - **Prepare for overnight conditions**—including winter precipitation, icy roads, and ongoing severe weather episodes. This complex event exemplifies Minnesota’s increasingly unpredictable spring climate, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness. Continued monitoring, timely action, and adherence to safety guidance are essential to protect lives and property. --- **Stay safe, stay informed, and remain vigilant.** Ensure your emergency plans are current, devices charged, and all family members aware of safety procedures. Emergency officials and meteorologists will continue tracking the situation and providing updates as new information becomes available. **For a comprehensive overview of today’s weather and storm impacts, watch the latest morning headlines video from KARE 11:** [The morning headlines for Monday, Feb. 23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXX) Duration: 6:49 | Views: 70 | Likes: 5 --- This ongoing weather event highlights the critical importance of community resilience and individual preparedness. Residents are advised to remain alert, follow official guidance, and prioritize safety as Minnesota navigates a rare convergence of severe storms and winter conditions.