A potent bomb cyclone — dubbed Winter Storm Ezra — is forecast to barrel across the Upper Midwest, including Minneapolis and greater Minnesota, through December 28–29, 2025, bringing blizzard warnings, heavy snow totals (up to ~10–12 inches in the Twin Cities and even more inland), dangerously low wind-chill values, and extremely hazardous road conditions. Travel advisories and no-travel warnings are in effect as intense snowfall and strong winds create near-whiteout conditions and rapidly deteriorating road surfaces.
From my years covering severe winter systems — and having watched similar bomb cyclones slam the Upper Midwest (2010, 2013, 2018) — this isn’t a “snowy inconvenience.” It’s a high-impact event that strains transportation networks, disrupts freight and commuter traffic, and drives emergency management into long shifts on the plow lines.
What Is a Bomb Cyclone — and Why It Matters?
A bomb cyclone isn’t a pop-culture term — it’s a meteorological classification. The National Weather Service defines it as a midlatitude cyclone that undergoes “explosive intensification,” meaning its central pressure drops at least 24 mb in 24 hours. That rapid intensification often leads to:
- Sustained high winds (gusts exceeding 40–50 mph)
- Sharply falling air pressure
- Heavy snow bands and blizzard conditions
- Rapidly deteriorating travel conditions
Ezra is forecast to meet that criterion as it deepens over the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, squeezing Arctic cold into record-warm air left over from the holidays and energizing the cyclone’s winds and snowfall.
Blizzard Warnings and Winter Storm Alerts Across the Midwest
Blizzard Warnings
From central Minnesota down through Iowa and western Wisconsin, the National Weather Service and state emergency management agencies have issued blizzard warnings, a rare and serious alert indicating:
- Sustained winds of at least 35 mph
- Frequent wind-blown snow
- Visibility < ¼ mile
- Conditions likely to persist for several hours or more.
This means travel is extremely dangerous, plows struggle to keep up, and local authorities frequently advise the public to stay off the roads entirely.
Winter Storm Warnings
Beyond the core blizzard area, broad winter storm warnings extend into eastern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. These are issued when snow accumulations, winds, or ice are expected to significantly disrupt life and travel.
Snow Totals: How Much Are We Talking?
Here’s the latest verified forecast guidance from National Weather Service data and trusted meteorological models:
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
- Expected snow: ~8–10 inches with localized pockets up to 12 inches — especially where heavy snow bands park over the region.
- Blowing and drifting snow will exaggerate impacts, even where totals are modest.
Southern and Central Minnesota
- Most areas—Mankato, Faribault, Albert Lea—forecast to receive 8–10+ inches, with some spots possibly tipping above that depending on banding.
- Northern Minnesota into the lake-effect snow zone could see similar amounts.
Upper Midwest Lakeshore Areas
- In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and parts of Wisconsin, lake-enhanced snow totals of 12–24+ inches are likely — driven by strong winds over open water and persistent cold air.
This isn’t a light dusting. These are accumulations that overwhelm snow plows, bury vehicles, and significantly slow emergency response operations.
Road Conditions in Minneapolis and Statewide
Minnesota Roads: Current Impacts
According to the Minnesota State Patrol and MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation):
- Roadways are slick and snow-covered across the Twin Cities, with residual snow and slush still present after rounds of overnight accumulation.
- Semi-truck difficulties, jackknifing, and slide-offs have been reported due to low traction, especially on untreated surfaces.
- State authorities have said to use caution, allow extra stopping distance, and expect delays.
Snow is expected to wrap up early Monday, but that won’t instantly make roads safe — plow backlogs, drifting snow, and refreeze overnight will maintain hazardous conditions through the workweek.
Travel Advice: Minneapolis to Interstate Corridors
Interstate 35 and I-94
These key arteries are under no-travel advisories in places, especially where snow bands have been most persistent and winds strongest — such as east of I-35 toward Wisconsin. Travelers are urged to avoid road trips until conditions improve.
Secondary Roads and Rural Routes
Smaller roads often go untreated longer and are more prone to drifting snow, especially in open farmland areas where wind speeds stay high. Many plow operators say these rural stretches will be among the last to be cleared.
Wind, Temperature, and Blizzard Effects
Bomb cyclones don’t just drop snow — they drive violence into the storm system itself:
- Wind gusts exceeding 40–50 mph are possible across the interior Midwest, whipping snow into near-zero visibility.
- Arctic cold will follow immediately, plunging temperatures and creating dangerously low wind chill values that increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite on exposed skin.
Motorists stuck on the roadway, pedestrians caught outdoors, and stranded vehicles can face serious cold-related risks — planning and caution are critical.
What to Expect Day-by-Day
Sunday (Storm Peak)
- Snow intensifies through the morning.
- Blizzard conditions likely over much of central and southern Minnesota.
- Travel advisories and closures increasingly common.
Monday (Wind & Cold Aftermath)
- Snow tapers but blowing and drifting continues.
- Plows will be active, but uncleared pockets persist.
- Temperatures crash after sunset, refreeze hazard peaks.
Community & Emergency Response
Cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and regional counties are on heightened alert. Snow-emergency plans — including parking bans to assist plow access — may activate once snowfall reaches local thresholds, ensuring crews can clear residential streets efficiently.
Emergency services stress preparation over reaction:
- Keep emergency kits in vehicles.
- Heed official closures and warnings.
- Check the Minnesota 511 road-condition map before travel.
Conclusion: This Storm Is a High-Impact Winter Event
Winter Storm Ezra isn’t “just another snowstorm.” The convergence of a bomb cyclone, heavy snow totals, high winds, and dangerously cold air creates a multi-hazard system that can quickly overwhelm both motorists and infrastructure.
For Minneapolis and the wider Midwest:
- Road conditions will likely remain treacherous into Tuesday and beyond.
- Travel advisories should be taken seriously — pushing road use into the next safe window can save lives.
- Snow accumulations of 8–10+ inches with blizzard gusts are enough to disrupt daily routines, freight movement, and emergency response.
In storm events of this magnitude, the safest place to be is off the road and properly prepared for winter conditions — especially when a meteorological bomb cyclone is packing the punch that Ezra is forecast to deliver.
