Minnesota weather: Winter storm and blizzard warnings in place for Sunday

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Snow and strong northwest winds are in store for the Twin Cities on Sunday, along with cold temperatures.

A winter storm warning is in place for the Twin Cities from 9 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, and in the Duluth area from 12 p.m. Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday.

There is a blizzard warning for the southeastern parts of Minnesota, including the Mankato and Willmar areas from 9 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday. 

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(FOX 9)

Sunday snow forecast

FOX 9 weather forecast.  (FOX 9)

What to expect:

A brief period of wintry mix will slide across the state ahead of snow in the early morning hours of Sunday. 

This mix will transition to snow with moderate to heavy snow at times for eastern Minnesota and across Wisconsin. 

The snow will continue to fall throughout most of the day on Sunday. Winds will pick up quickly as the snow develops as well. 

Northwest winds could frequently gust into the 30-mph range — especially through the afternoon and evening hours. 

Some parts of the state may experience gusts into the 40s.

Future wind gusts for Sunday afternoon.  (FOX 9)

Sunday snow and strong winds will slow down travel across the Upper Midwest. If you have travel plans for Sunday, do them as EARLY as possible. Snow will be consistent as winds grow stronger and temperatures drop, quickly worsening conditions by the afternoon.

Winter storm warnings are out in eastern Minnesota with shovel-able snow expected. Blizzard warning west of I-35, from Alexandria and St Cloud down to Mankato and Albert Lea. Snow accumulations begin to drop off here, but strong northwest winds will gust up to 55 mph and make travel unsafe. 

Snow begins in the Twin Cities around 10 a.m. Only a few quick breaks are expected around noon, but snow eventually becomes consistent by the evening.

Along with the snow and wind, temperatures will fall throughout the day, leading to a very cold close to the afternoon and evening hours. 

Temperatures may be close to the freezing mark on Sunday morning, but only in the teens by late afternoon, with temperatures feeling much colder.

Expected snow accumulations for Sunday.  (FOX 9)

The higher amounts of snow in this forecast appear to line up on the eastern edge of Minnesota through Wisconsin as of Saturday's forecast. 

Lesser amounts can be expected to the west, but travel will still potentially be difficult with the wind and light snow accumulations.

Sunday night into Monday

What's next:

The snow comes to a close on Sunday night, leaving behind a sunny and very cold Monday outlook. 

Winds may still gust up to 30 mph on Monday. 

These cold winds could create blowing and drifting snow at the surface while the sun is out above. 

With this in mind — watch for a slow travel day for Monday.