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Powerful Winter Storm Disrupts Travel and Knocks Out Power in the Upper Midwest
Officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin warned drivers to stay off the roads as more blowing and drifting snow was expected on Sunday.
Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:50pm
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A powerful snowstorm bringing blizzard-like conditions left flights canceled, closed at least one regional airport, disrupted drivers and knocked out power to thousands on Sunday in the Upper Midwest after bringing more than a foot of snow to some areas.
Why it matters
Major winter storms in the Upper Midwest can significantly disrupt travel, commerce, and daily life for residents, with the potential for power outages, school and business closures, and dangerous driving conditions.
The details
The storm dropped seven to 10 inches of snow in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota. In the 200-mile stretch from Rochester, Minn., to Wausau, Wis., 12 to 17 inches of snow had already fallen. The storm prompted the Minnesota Department of Transportation to issue a no-travel advisory on Sunday for several areas, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation warned drivers of impassable roads in the state's northern counties. More than 2,400 flights in the United States had been canceled as of Sunday afternoon, and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport in South Dakota announced it was closed on Sunday because of ice and snow. Nearly 55,000 customers were without power on Sunday in Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
- The storm dropped seven to 10 inches of snow in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota on Sunday.
- In the 200-mile stretch from Rochester, Minn., to Wausau, Wis., 12 to 17 inches of snow had already fallen by Sunday.
- Another round of heavy snow is expected on Sunday afternoon and evening, prompting blizzard and winter storm warnings from South Dakota to Michigan into Monday.
The players
Minnesota Department of Transportation
The state transportation department that issued a no-travel advisory on Sunday for several areas due to the powerful winter storm.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
The state transportation department that warned drivers of impassable roads in Wisconsin's northern counties due to the winter storm.
Sioux Falls Regional Airport
The airport in South Dakota that announced it was closed on Sunday because of ice and snow from the storm.
What they’re saying
“'Heavy snow and strong winds are causing challenging travel conditions'”
— Minnesota Department of Transportation
“'Dangerous travel conditions are expected during this period, particularly north of Interstate 90 where snowfall totals of 12 to 24 inches will see significant drifting with the increasing winds'”
— National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wis.
What’s next
Another round of heavy snow is expected on Sunday afternoon and evening, prompting blizzard and winter storm warnings from South Dakota to Michigan into Monday.
The takeaway
Major winter storms in the Upper Midwest can significantly disrupt travel, commerce, and daily life for residents, with the potential for power outages, school and business closures, and dangerous driving conditions. Residents should heed weather warnings and avoid unnecessary travel during these severe weather events.
