MINNEAPOLIS, December 10, 2025: A broad winter storm moving across Minnesota on Tuesday brought measurable snowfall to much of the state, slowing travel and creating challenging driving conditions from the Twin Cities to the northern counties. The National Weather Service reported 3.4 inches of snow at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport by late evening, marking one of the more significant snowfalls of the early winter season for the metro area. Snowfall varied across the region, with the heaviest accumulations recorded in portions of central and northern Minnesota. St. Cloud received approximately 4 inches of snow, while areas such as Chanhassen, southwest of Minneapolis, reported closer to 2.8 inches. Within the Twin Cities metro, totals ranged from 2 to 5 inches, depending on local conditions and timing of snow bands that moved through during the afternoon and evening hours.
Farther north, communities from Brainerd to Duluth saw totals approaching or exceeding 6 inches as the storm’s heaviest band tracked across the state’s midsection. The National Weather Service office in Duluth confirmed consistent snow accumulation throughout the day, accompanied by gusty winds that caused reduced visibility and intermittent whiteout conditions in open areas. Road crews were deployed early Tuesday morning across major highways, including Interstates 94 and 35, as snow intensified during the evening commute. The Minnesota Department of Transportation urged drivers to exercise caution, reporting several weather-related crashes and slide-offs. Authorities noted that while most major routes remained open, reduced speeds and poor visibility slowed traffic in and around the Twin Cities and along key corridors heading north and west.
The storm system, which developed over the upper Midwest earlier in the week, tracked eastward across Minnesota and into Wisconsin overnight. Temperatures fell steadily after sunset, leading to a light glaze of ice in some areas where snowfall briefly transitioned to mixed precipitation. Officials warned that the combination of snow and freezing temperatures could result in slick roads through early Wednesday, even as plow operations continued across the state. In Minneapolis, snow tapered off by late evening, with airport operations continuing under winter-weather protocols. Flight delays were reported but no major cancellations were announced as crews worked to keep runways clear. City maintenance teams began clearing residential streets overnight, prioritizing main thoroughfares before moving into neighborhood routes.
Northern Minnesota experiences heaviest snowfall accumulation
Across greater Minnesota, rural and smaller municipal areas experienced similar conditions, with most schools remaining open but monitoring for potential late starts on Wednesday. Utility companies reported no significant power outages despite gusty winds, and forecasters indicated that cold air following the storm would keep daytime highs in the 20s Fahrenheit through midweek. The National Weather Service said the system’s departure would mark a shift to colder, drier weather as high pressure builds over the region. While the storm’s intensity was moderate compared with past December events, its timing during the first full week of winter weather created the first widespread snow cover of the season across Minnesota. The agency said official totals would be reviewed through Wednesday morning to finalize snowfall records from the event.
Residents urged to drive cautiously as temperatures fall
The snowfall brought a familiar reminder of early winter in the Upper Midwest, with communities across the state preparing for more seasonal weather patterns in the weeks ahead. For now, Minnesota residents are advised to expect continued cold temperatures, lingering slick spots on roadways, and typical winter travel conditions following the latest round of snow. As maintenance crews continue clearing secondary and residential streets, transportation officials urge motorists to plan extra travel time and monitor local advisories for changing conditions. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported ongoing treatment of highways with de-icing materials to prevent refreezing overnight. Meanwhile, forecasters noted that the fresh snowpack will help keep temperatures low, reinforcing a pattern of cold, stable air expected to persist through the end of the week. – By Content Syndication Services.