ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has authorized the deployment of the state’s National Guard ahead of a major winter storm expected to impact much of the state late Saturday into Sunday. The move, formalized through an executive order issued Friday, aims to bolster emergency response capabilities as blizzard conditions loom, particularly across central and southern Minnesota.
The governor’s order declares a state of emergency, enabling the Minnesota National Guard to provide support for storm-related operations. Steele County has already requested assistance from Guard members and officials anticipate that other counties will follow suit in the coming days. “As we brace for this potentially dangerous round of winter weather, I am grateful to our National Guard for stepping in to keep Minnesotans safe,” Walz stated in a written release.
A winter storm warning is in effect for a large portion of central Minnesota, beginning Saturday at 7 p.m. The National Weather Service predicts widespread heavy snow and strong winds, creating blizzard-like conditions. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated overnight and before dawn Sunday, with accumulations of 12 to 18 inches possible, especially in the eastern metro area. Wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph, further exacerbating the hazardous conditions.
The executive order remains active until emergency conditions subside or Thursday, whichever comes first. A NEXT Weather Alert has been issued, taking effect Saturday evening to prepare residents for the approaching storm. Following the storm, temperatures are expected to plummet, with highs only reaching the teens on Monday and Tuesday. Wind chill will make conditions feel even colder.
National Guard Deployment and Emergency Preparations
The authorization of the National Guard underscores the seriousness of the impending weather event. The Guard’s role will be to assist local authorities in responding to emergencies, potentially including stranded motorists, power outages, and other storm-related incidents. The order allows for the mobilization of personnel and resources as needed to support affected communities.
Utility crews are also preparing for potential disruptions. Xcel Energy reported that over 19,000 customers were without power Friday morning due to strong winds, but crews were already on alert anticipating the weekend storm. Trisha Duncan, a spokesperson for Xcel Energy, noted that the earlier wind event served as a “small event” and allowed them to prepare for the larger storm. “We were already on guard, waiting for some outages to happen,” she said.