A powerful late-season winter storm is hammering the Upper Midwest, dumping more than 20 inches of snow in several areas and creating dangerous blizzard conditions across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Winter Storm Iona, as named by The Weather Channel, is rapidly becoming one of the most intense March snowstorms of the season, bringing heavy snowfall, powerful wind gusts, flight disruptions, school closures, and hazardous travel conditions.
The storm arrived after a stretch of record warmth and severe weather across the central and eastern United States, highlighting the extreme weather swings that often occur during March. Meteorologists say this storm is producing classic blizzard conditions, with snow falling at rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour in some areas while strong winds drastically reduce visibility.
Heavy Snowfall Already Breaking Records
Parts of the Upper Midwest have already reported staggering snowfall totals. According to early storm reports, more than 20 inches of snow has fallen from southern Minnesota into central Wisconsin. One of the hardest-hit areas is Marinette, Wisconsin, where snowfall totals reached approximately 28 inches.
Forecasters warn the storm is far from finished. In parts of northern Wisconsin and Michigan, total snowfall could reach 1 to 3 feet by the time the storm ends. Some isolated areas in northern Michigan could even see snowfall approaching 4 feet if the heaviest bands stall over the region.
The snowfall intensity is creating near whiteout conditions in many areas, making it extremely difficult for snowplows to keep roads clear. Transportation officials say snow is accumulating faster than crews can clear lanes in some regions.
Travel Chaos and Road Closures Across Minnesota
Authorities across southern Minnesota issued strong warnings urging residents to avoid travel as the storm intensified. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported whiteout conditions and snow-covered highways across large portions of the state.
Several major routes have been affected, including Interstate 35 near Albert Lea, which was scheduled for closure as conditions worsened. Road crews reported that snow was covering roads faster than plows could clear them, making travel extremely dangerous.
The Minnesota State Patrol also reported numerous weather-related incidents. Between midnight and early afternoon Sunday, officials recorded at least 49 crashes that caused property damage. In addition, there were 11 spinouts, more than 200 vehicles sliding off roads, and seven jackknifed semi-trucks. Two crashes resulted in injuries.
Officials emphasized that even experienced winter drivers can struggle during storms with heavy snowfall and strong winds, which can quickly reduce visibility to near zero.
Flights Canceled as Airports Struggle With Storm
The storm has also caused major disruptions at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, one of the region’s busiest travel hubs. Hundreds of flights have been canceled as airlines deal with heavy snowfall and dangerous runway conditions.
Airport reports show that more than 330 incoming flights and around 360 departing flights were canceled as the storm intensified. Airlines are advising travelers to check flight status and consider rebooking travel plans until conditions improve.
Winter storms often cause ripple effects across the aviation system, meaning travelers across the country may experience delays or cancellations as aircraft and crews are repositioned.
Schools Closed and Government Services Disrupted
The blizzard conditions have also forced school districts and government agencies to cancel or modify operations. St. Paul Public Schools announced that all classes would be canceled Monday, with after-school programs and activities also suspended.
In Minneapolis Public Schools, officials declared a severe weather day. Pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students will not have classes, while middle and high school students will shift to e-learning.
The Minnesota House also canceled committee meetings scheduled for Monday because of the storm. However, a legislative session is still planned with remote participation encouraged for lawmakers unable to travel safely.
National Guard Activated for Emergency Support
The seriousness of the storm prompted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to sign an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to assist with emergency response operations.
National Guard members have been positioned at armories across southern Minnesota, including Albert Lea, Fairmont, Owatonna, and Redwood Falls. Officials say the units are ready to respond quickly if rescue operations become necessary.
Emergency crews remain on high alert as heavy snowfall, poor visibility, and dangerous road conditions continue to affect travel throughout the region.
Snow Totals Continue Rising Across Minnesota
Snowfall reports across Minnesota continue to climb as the storm moves through the state. Some of the highest totals include:
- Wabasha – about 20.5 inches of snow
- Rochester – around 14 inches
- Prior Lake – approximately 13.7 inches
- Lakeville and Cannon Falls – more than 12 inches
- Maple Grove and Eagan – around 10 inches
- Bloomington – about 9.5 inches
The Twin Cities region also saw significant snowfall, with additional accumulation possible before the storm fully moves east.
Strong Winds and Ice Could Cause Power Outages
In addition to heavy snow, strong wind gusts ranging from 30 to 50 miles per hour are creating blowing snow and reduced visibility across much of the region. These winds can lead to drifting snow that quickly covers cleared roads.
Forecasters also warned that parts of the storm system could produce freezing rain and sleet before transitioning back to snow. Ice accumulation combined with heavy snow could damage trees and power lines, increasing the risk of widespread power outages.
For updated forecasts and winter weather alerts, residents can monitor information from the National Weather Service and road condition updates from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Arctic Cold Air Will Follow the Storm
As Winter Storm Iona begins moving east, meteorologists say the system will pull down a blast of cold Arctic air across much of the Midwest, East Coast, and parts of the South.
Temperatures early next week are expected to plunge dramatically. High temperatures across much of the Midwest may remain stuck in the teens, 20s, and 30s, while parts of the Northeast could also see chilly conditions in the 20s and 30s.
The cold air will push as far south as the Gulf Coast, bringing temperatures in the 40s and 50s across the Southeast. Some parts of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see overnight lows drop below zero.
Even the Deep South may experience freezing temperatures, with frost possible as far south as Alabama and Louisiana.
Late-Season Blizzard Shows March Weather Extremes
Winter Storm Iona is a reminder of how unpredictable March weather can be across the United States. Just days after unusually warm temperatures and severe storms, parts of the country are now dealing with blizzard conditions and record snowfall.
While warmer air is expected to gradually return later next week, long-range forecasts suggest additional cold spells could still develop before winter finally releases its grip on the Midwest.
For now, residents across the region are being urged to stay off the roads, monitor official weather alerts, and prepare for both dangerous travel conditions and a significant drop in temperatures after the storm passes.
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