National Weather Service Issues 'Urgent' Blizzard Warning as 'Life-Threatening' Snow Storm Approaches
This week, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm watch for a significant portion of the country, warning of snow that could reach up to a foot in some areas, particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, it sounds like that storm is now expected to be even more severe and dangerous than previously thought.
On Sunday morning, the NWS announced that the snowfall forecast had increased overnight, leading the service to upgrade its winter storm watch to a blizzard warning in some parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, warning of potentially "life-threatening" conditions.
Winter Storm Warning
On Friday, Dec. 26, the NWS began warning of a "powerful winter storm" that was expected to produce “numerous weather hazards” for parts of the United States from the Northern Plains and Great Lakes region into the Northeast from Sunday into Monday.
“Periods of heavy snow are anticipated across the Upper Great Lakes late Sunday and continuing into Monday. Lake-enhanced snow along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will support over a foot of snow,” the NWS warned in a post on X.
“Blowing snow is likely to cause whiteout conditions and treacherous travel across portions of the Upper Midwest & Great Lakes. Following a cold frontal passage on Monday, expect locally heavy lake effect snow for parts of Upstate New York and Northwest Pennsylvania.”
The advisory warned of up to 12 inches of snow in some parts of the country.
Blizzard Warning Issued
Since the initial advisory, the storm has grown in strength and severity as meteorologists now expect as much as three feet of snow in some areas. As a result of the increased threat, issue a blizzard warning for parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota, warning of "dangerous" and "potentially life-threatening" conditions.
"DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING TRAVEL CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY THROUGH EARLY MONDAY MORNING," the NWS warned in a post on X on Sunday, Dec. 28.
The NWS warned that harsh conditions and continued snowfall could lead to dangerous travel conditions.
‼️DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING TRAVEL CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY THROUGH EARLY MONDAY MORNING‼️
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) December 28, 2025
*** For the latest hourly forecast for your location, visit https://t.co/OS2u4bsdc4 ***#mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/4Fs45f2GZz
"Major winter storm to bring several inches of accumulating snow, strong winds, much colder temperatures Sunday," the NWS warned. "Very hazardous travel conditions are likely due to the long duration snowfall and strong winds."
As a result, the NWS has issued a winter storm warning and a blizzard warning as the storm approaches.
"A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect across eastern MN and all of western WI," the NWS wrote. "A Blizzard Warning remains in effect across central and southern MN."
Needless to say, if you are in those areas of the country, it's best to make preparations as soon as possible.