Minnesota Cities Declare Snow Emergencies Ahead of Winter Storm

Travel alert issued for southeast Minnesota as heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected this weekend.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Several Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Richfield, and Eden Prairie, have declared snow emergencies ahead of a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds this weekend. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has also issued a travel alert for southeast Minnesota, warning of difficult and dangerous travel conditions.

Why it matters

Snow emergencies allow cities to enforce parking restrictions and clear streets more effectively during major winter storms. This helps ensure public safety, maintain access for emergency vehicles, and facilitate snow removal efforts. The travel alert from MnDOT advises motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, which could help prevent accidents and stranded vehicles.

The details

Minneapolis has declared a snow emergency starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, with parking restrictions in effect. St. Louis Park's snow emergency began at 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, prohibiting on-street parking. Richfield's snow emergency runs from 12 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16, also banning on-street parking. Eden Prairie has declared a snow emergency from March 14 to March 16, asking residents to keep streets clear of obstacles. MnDOT's travel alert covers southeast Minnesota, where a wintry mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow is expected to accumulate, making travel difficult and dangerous.

  • The Minneapolis snow emergency starts at 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, and ends at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 16.
  • The St. Louis Park snow emergency began at 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, with an unspecified end time.
  • The Richfield snow emergency runs from 12 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16.
  • The Eden Prairie snow emergency is in effect from March 14 to March 16.
  • The MnDOT travel alert covers the winter storm expected on Saturday night into Sunday.

The players

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

The state transportation agency that issued a travel alert for southeast Minnesota ahead of the winter storm.

City of Minneapolis

The largest city in Minnesota that has declared a snow emergency starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.

City of St. Louis Park

A city in Minnesota that has declared a snow emergency starting at 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 14.

City of Richfield

A city in Minnesota that has declared a snow emergency from 12 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16.

City of Eden Prairie

A city in Minnesota that has declared a snow emergency from March 14 to March 16.

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What’s next

Authorities in the affected cities will continue to monitor the winter storm and provide updates on the snow emergencies, parking restrictions, and travel conditions.

The takeaway

The coordinated snow emergency declarations and travel alert from MnDOT demonstrate the proactive measures being taken by Minnesota officials to ensure public safety and facilitate effective snow removal during the upcoming winter storm.