High-Impact Winter Storm to Hit Midwest This Weekend

Blizzard conditions and heavy snow expected across parts of South Dakota and Minnesota

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A major winter storm is set to impact the Midwest region this weekend, with heavy snow, strong winds, and sharply falling temperatures expected. The storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions and significant travel disruptions, especially from Saturday night through Sunday.

Why it matters

This winter storm has the potential to be a high-impact system, with the combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and plummeting temperatures creating dangerous travel conditions across the region. Residents and travelers will need to be prepared for the possibility of road closures, power outages, and other weather-related disruptions.

The details

The storm is expected to arrive on Saturday afternoon, with rain or a rain-snow mix initially, before transitioning to all snow as colder air moves in overnight. The heaviest snow is forecast to fall north and east of Sioux Falls, with the potential for double-digit snowfall totals in parts of eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota. Winds are also expected to ramp up significantly, with gusts over 45-55 mph, leading to widespread blowing and drifting snow. Visibility could drop rapidly at times, making travel very difficult or even impossible.

  • The storm is expected to arrive on Saturday afternoon.
  • The precipitation is forecast to transition to all snow overnight Saturday as colder air moves in.
  • The heaviest snow and strongest winds are expected to occur on Sunday.
  • Blowing and drifting snow could continue to impact the Monday morning commute.

The players

KICD

A local weather forecasting service providing updates on the impending winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“We are continuing to track a major winter storm that will impact much of the region this weekend, and while there are still some details to fine‑tune, confidence is growing that this will be a high‑impact system, especially from Saturday night through Sunday.”

— KICD (northwestiowanow.com)

What’s next

Residents and travelers should continue to monitor the forecast for updates, as changes to watches, warnings, or snowfall expectations are likely as the storm approaches. It's important to prepare for significant winter travel impacts, including the possibility of road closures, power outages, and other weather-related disruptions.

The takeaway

This high-impact winter storm serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather events, especially during the winter months. By staying informed, having emergency supplies on hand, and being ready to adjust travel plans, residents can help ensure their safety and minimize the disruptions caused by the storm.