Winter Storm Update: Minnesota & Wisconsin — Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Persistent Snow and Frigid Air Sweep the Upper Midwest

A major post-Thanksgiving winter storm is actively impacting the Upper Midwest, with southern Minnesota and much of Wisconsin experiencing steady snow, gusty winds, and sharply falling temperatures. As of Saturday evening, the storm continues to disrupt travel, local communities, and regional infrastructure.

The National Weather Service describes the system as a “long-duration light to moderate snowfall event,” meaning snow may not fall at intense hourly rates, but persistent snowfall over several hours allows for significant accumulation.

Minnesota: Snow Across Southern Counties and Twin Cities Metro

• Current conditions: Light but persistent snow continues across southern and central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area, according to CBS Minnesota.
• Accumulation: Southern counties along the I-90 corridor remain under Winter Storm Warnings, with totals expected between 6 and 10 inches. Twin Cities metro areas, under a Winter Weather Advisory, may see 2 to 5 inches, with southern suburbs possibly reaching 6 inches. The heaviest totals are forecast in counties such as Faribault, Freeborn, and Martin.
• Travel impacts: Roads in southern and western Minnesota are snow-covered, with visibility reduced to roughly one mile in many areas. Interstate highways including I-35 and US-169 have experienced multiple crashes and spinouts. MSP International Airport reported over 200 flight delays and numerous cancellations.
• Outlook: Snow is expected to taper off late Saturday, but gusty winds up to 35 mph may blow snow across roads, creating temporary whiteout conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

Wisconsin: Expanding Snow and Hazardous Travel

• Current conditions: Snow continues to spread across Wisconsin, with western and southwestern parts of the state experiencing the heaviest snowfall, according to Fox6Now.
• Accumulation: Southern and southeastern Wisconsin may receive 8 to 12 inches, with localized totals exceeding one foot in areas influenced by lake-effect snow.
• Warnings and advisories: Large areas of the state are under Winter Storm Warnings, while northern and lake-effect zones have Winter Weather Advisories, as reported by the National Weather Service’s Milwaukee Forecast Office.
• Travel impacts: Heavy snow, low visibility, and strong winds are creating hazardous conditions. Blowing and drifting snow could produce whiteout spots on roads, according to Associated Press reports.
• Outlook: Snow should taper off by early Sunday, but lingering hazards from drifting snow may persist through Sunday morning.

Weekend Forecast: Cold and Windy After the Storm

• Sunday, Nov. 30: Snow is expected to end early in most locations. Skies will be mostly cloudy, but temperatures remain extremely cold — highs in the teens and overnight lows in the single digits. Wind gusts could produce sub-zero wind chills and re-cover cleared roads with blowing snow.
• Monday, Dec. 1: Cold continues with mostly cloudy skies. Highs may struggle to reach 20 °F. Overnight lows remain below freezing, increasing the risk of icy roads.
• Ongoing risks: Blowing snow, drifting, and low visibility may persist even after the snow ends, particularly early Sunday and Monday mornings.

Safety Guidance

• Travel: Residents are urged to postpone non-essential travel until Sunday. Roads remain snow-covered and icy, with drifting snow likely in open areas.
• If travel is necessary: Carry a winter emergency kit, including blankets, water, food, and a shovel, and exercise extreme caution.
• Flights and logistics: Expect continued disruptions at major airports, including MSP and other regional hubs.

Why This Storm Matters

Meteorologists consider this among the first major snow and cold events of the 2025–26 winter season for the Upper Midwest. The combination of prolonged snowfall, strong winds, and a subsequent Arctic air push makes it a multi-hazard event, affecting roads, airports, and daily life across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

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