Even as the heaviest snow from a powerful winter storm pulls away from Minnesota, travel across the Twin Cities and much of southern Minnesota remains treacherous on Monday, December 29. Gusty winds, blowing and drifting snow, and a glaze of ice are combining to keep visibility low and road surfaces slick on some of the region’s busiest holiday routes.

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Storm Winds Down, But Hazards Persist Across the Metro

Drivers waking up in the Twin Cities on Monday are finding that while the sky may look calmer, streets and freeways are far from normal. Overnight wind gusts topping 40 miles per hour have taken freshly fallen snow and whipped it across previously plowed lanes, leading to renewed slick spots and sudden patches of whiteout on open stretches of road. In many neighborhoods, plows have cleared main arteries, but side streets remain rutted and icy.

Roughly 5 to 7 inches of snow fell across much of the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro on Sunday, with locally higher totals to the east and southeast. The National Weather Service said the snow tapered to lighter bands overnight, but strong northwest winds are expected to linger through much of Monday, continuing to blow snow out of fields and open spaces and across roadways used by tens of thousands of commuters.

Temperatures hovering near or below freezing are also slowing the work of road crews. Treated pavement tends to refreeze quickly once traffic thins, turning what might look like wet asphalt into nearly invisible sheets of ice. Transportation officials are warning that conditions may not noticeably improve until winds ease and temperatures begin a gradual climb later this week.

Southern Minnesota Bears Brunt of Blizzard Aftermath

While the metro struggles with slick conditions, southern Minnesota remains the epicenter of the storm’s lingering travel problems. A blizzard warning and “no travel advised” alerts that were in place from Sunday into early Monday left many highways either closed or impassable overnight. By daybreak, portions of key routes south of the Twin Cities still resembled wind-swept tundra more than functioning highways.

Interstate 35 in far southern Minnesota, a major north-south link between the Twin Cities and northern Iowa, has been among the hardest hit. Long stretches of the freeway were shut down on Sunday after near-zero visibility and heavy drifting stranded multiple vehicles. On Monday morning, authorities continued to report closures and barricades along I-35 near the Iowa border, cautioning that travel in that corridor may be severely limited well into the day.

In open country west and south of Mankato, Albert Lea, and Rochester, winds are driving snow across wide farm fields and back onto even freshly cleared roads. Drifts several feet high have formed along rural highways and county roads, in some cases blocking access to smaller communities and farmsteads. Officials say that until the wind drops, plow work in these areas can be undone in a matter of minutes.

Crashes, Spinouts, and Stranded Vehicles Test First Responders

Across Minnesota, law enforcement agencies and state patrol troopers spent Sunday and early Monday responding to hundreds of crashes, spinouts, and stalled vehicles. Despite repeated warnings asking drivers to stay home unless absolutely necessary, holiday travel and end-of-year commutes kept a steady stream of traffic on slick highways.

On Monday morning, a jackknifed semi on Interstate 94 near Albertville underscored just how quickly conditions can deteriorate. Even as traffic volume built toward the morning rush, lanes in the incident area were constrained while crews worked in frigid, windy conditions to clear the scene and free the truck. Similar incidents involving semis and passenger vehicles were reported along other stretches of I-94, I-35, and Interstate 90 through the night.

In the Twin Cities, authorities noted that while most crashes were minor, the sheer volume of fender-benders and spinouts created delays and strained emergency response resources. Patrols urged motorists to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes on snow-compacted or icy surfaces. In outstate areas, some drivers who chose to ignore no-travel advisories Sunday found themselves stranded overnight as plows were pulled from routes during the height of the whiteout conditions.

Warnings, Advisories, and a Patchwork of Road Conditions

The National Weather Service issued a series of winter storm and blizzard warnings for much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin starting early Sunday, December 28, as the system intensified. By Sunday evening, blizzard warnings covered a broad swath from western and southern Minnesota into parts of the southwest Twin Cities metro, while winter storm warnings extended across much of the rest of the region.

Those warnings remained in effect into early Monday, reflecting concerns less about ongoing heavy snowfall and more about the combination of light additional accumulation, strong winds, and existing deep snowpacks. Weather officials warned that blowing and drifting snow, not fresh flakes, would be the primary driver of hazardous conditions through the morning commute and possibly into the afternoon in exposed areas.

Travel advisories have created a patchwork of conditions across the state. In southwestern Minnesota, transportation officials continue to mark many highways as “no travel advised” due to whiteout conditions and deep drifts. Closer to the Twin Cities, major freeways may appear mostly wet and passable, but short stretches of snowpack and ice, particularly on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, continue to catch drivers off guard. Urban streets vary block by block depending on plow timing, drifting, and local temperatures.

Holiday Travel Disruptions Ripple Through Air and Rail

The storm struck during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, disrupting not only road travel but also flights and some rail operations into and out of the Twin Cities. Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport reported delays and cancellations on Sunday as the heaviest snow and gustiest winds moved through, forcing crews to repeatedly clear runways and de-ice aircraft.

By Monday morning, airport operations had improved, but airlines continued to warn travelers of potential knock-on delays, both locally and at connecting hubs affected by the same storm system. Passengers were urged to check their flight status before traveling to the airport and to allow extra time for navigating snow-covered access roads and parking facilities.

Regional bus and rail services also reported weather-related disruptions, with some routes suspended or rerouted in southern Minnesota where roads were closed or deemed too dangerous for operation. Commuter services in the Twin Cities ran on modified schedules in the early morning hours while transit agencies worked to clear snow from tracks, platforms, and bus stops.

How Officials Are Responding on the Ground

State and local agencies moved into full storm-response mode over the weekend as conditions worsened. Governor Tim Walz called on the Minnesota National Guard to assist with stranded motorists and support local emergency managers in areas hardest hit by blizzard conditions, particularly along key corridors in southern and western Minnesota.

Departments of Transportation across the region deployed hundreds of plows, salt trucks, and support vehicles, often cycling crews through extended shifts as snow and blowing snow refilled lanes shortly after they were cleared. Officials stressed that while plows can significantly improve conditions, they cannot eliminate the risk of ice, especially when wind and cold temperatures persist.

In the Twin Cities, both Minneapolis and St. Paul declared snow emergencies, triggering a cascade of parking restrictions and additional plow operations on residential streets. City leaders urged residents to follow posted snow emergency rules and move vehicles promptly, warning that noncompliance could delay plowing efforts and further complicate travel as more people attempt to return to work and normal routines.

Advice for Local Motorists and Visitors

For those living in or traveling through the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota, officials are offering clear guidance: if travel is optional on Monday, stay home and give plow crews time and space to clear the network. Those who must be on the road are urged to slow down significantly, leave extra time to reach destinations, and plan for changing conditions from one town or highway segment to the next.

Motorists are encouraged to top off fuel, carry a fully charged phone, and equip vehicles with winter emergency kits that include warm clothing, blankets, nonperishable food, water, and a flashlight. In rural areas where blowing and drifting can quickly block low-traffic roads, staying with a stranded vehicle rather than attempting to walk for help is strongly recommended.

Travelers unfamiliar with Minnesota winters, including visitors returning from holiday trips or those transiting the metro on longer cross-country routes, are being reminded that conditions can shift abruptly. A seemingly clear four-lane highway can quickly deteriorate near open fields, river crossings, or elevated sections where wind exposure is greater. Road condition hotlines and official traffic maps remain important tools for real-time decision-making as the day progresses.

What Comes Next for the Twin Cities and Southern Minnesota

Forecasters expect winds to gradually ease later Monday into Tuesday, which should reduce blowing and drifting and allow road crews to make more sustained progress. However, subfreezing temperatures will keep the risk of black ice elevated whenever traffic and sunlight are insufficient to dry pavement. Any additional light snow or freezing drizzle over the next 24 to 48 hours could quickly worsen conditions again.

For communities in southern Minnesota still coping with deep drifts and blocked rural roads, full restoration of normal travel may take another day or more. Crews will likely focus first on reopening major state and U.S. highways, then push into county roads and residential areas. Residents in outlying or low-priority zones should be prepared for limited mobility and potential delays in deliveries and services.

In the Twin Cities, the emphasis will shift from emergency response to cleanup, snow removal, and managing narrowed lanes and high snowbanks that can obscure sight lines at intersections. As schools and workplaces return to regular schedules following the holiday weekend, heavier traffic will test the resilience of the recovering road network and the patience of winter-weary drivers.

FAQ

Q1: Is it safe to drive in the Twin Cities today, December 29?
Travel remains hazardous in parts of the metro, with many roads snow- and ice-covered and occasional blowing snow reducing visibility. Authorities advise avoiding nonessential trips and using extreme caution if you must drive.

Q2: Which areas of Minnesota are seeing the worst travel conditions?
Southern and southwestern Minnesota continue to face the most severe conditions, especially along open stretches of Interstate 35 and Interstate 90 and on rural highways where drifting snow has created deep drifts and near-zero visibility at times.

Q3: Are any major highways still closed?
Sections of Interstate 35 in far southern Minnesota and some state highways in the southwest remain closed or under no-travel advisories due to whiteout conditions, drifting snow, and stranded vehicles. Drivers should check official state road condition reports before departing.

Q4: Why are roads still so slippery even though the main snowfall has ended?
Strong northwest winds are blowing snow back onto cleared surfaces, and cold temperatures are causing meltwater and slush to refreeze into ice. This combination leads to persistent slick spots, especially on bridges, ramps, and less-traveled lanes.

Q5: How much snow did the Twin Cities receive from this storm?
Most of the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro received roughly 5 to 7 inches of snow, with some nearby areas picking up slightly higher totals. The impacts have been amplified by strong winds and drifting rather than snow depth alone.

Q6: What should I keep in my car if I need to travel?
Officials recommend carrying a winter kit that includes warm clothing, blankets, nonperishable snacks, water, a flashlight, a scraper and brush, jumper cables, and a fully charged phone. In rural areas, having sand or kitty litter for traction and a small shovel can also be helpful.

Q7: Are public transit and flights operating normally?
Most services are operating but with potential delays. Some bus and rail routes have adjusted schedules, and airlines are still recovering from earlier cancellations and de-icing delays. Travelers should confirm schedules and allow extra time to reach terminals and stations.

Q8: How long will blowing and drifting snow remain a problem?
Forecasters expect winds to gradually subside later Monday into Tuesday. Until then, exposed roads in southern and western Minnesota will remain vulnerable to drifting, and visibility could drop quickly, especially in open country.

Q9: What can city drivers do to help plow crews in Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Residents are urged to follow snow emergency parking rules, move vehicles off designated plow routes when required, and avoid blocking alleys and intersections. Compliance helps plows clear curb to curb and speeds the overall recovery.

Q10: I am visiting from out of state. What is the single most important tip for driving in these conditions?
Slow down more than you think you need to and increase your following distance significantly. Even experienced local drivers can misjudge stopping distances on ice, so conservative speeds and smooth, gradual braking are essential for staying safe.