Full Breakdown
Freezing Rain Impacts Central Minnesota Travel
1/6/2026, 9:50:56 PM
Weather Alerts and Conditions
A Weather Impact Alert has been issued for central Minnesota, effective from 6 p.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Tuesday, due to a mix of light rain and freezing rain. The alert covers areas including the Twin Cities metro, with the most significant precipitation expected between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Forecasters predict that temperatures will hover around the freezing mark, leading to fluctuating conditions that may complicate travel, particularly on untreated surfaces, bridges, and overpasses.
Record Rainfall in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities experienced the wettest January 6 on record, with rainfall and freezing rain occurring late Monday into early Tuesday. The highest recorded rainfall was 0.75 inches in Cottage Grove, while Minneapolis recorded 0.55 inches. This precipitation has raised concerns about refreezing as temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s Tuesday night, potentially leading to hazardous conditions for commuters on Wednesday morning.
Rainfall Totals Across the Region
Rainfall totals varied across the metro area, with significant amounts reported in several locations:
- Cottage Grove: 0.75 inches
- Edina: 0.71 inches
- Eagan: 0.70 inches
- Woodbury: 0.69 inches
- Minneapolis: 0.55 inches
Other areas reported lower totals, with some locations experiencing as little as 0.20 inches. The variability in rainfall is attributed to the positioning of the storm system and local weather patterns.
Weather Advisories and Visibility Concerns
In addition to the freezing rain, a winter weather advisory remains in effect for the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Red Wing, and Willmar. The advisory warns of slick conditions due to the combination of rain and freezing rain. Additionally, a dense fog advisory has been issued for northern Minnesota, where visibility may drop below half a mile during the early morning hours on Tuesday.
Criticism and Concerns
Local officials and meteorologists have expressed concerns about the potential for hazardous travel conditions due to the combination of freezing rain and refreezing temperatures. The fluctuating weather patterns complicate road maintenance efforts and pose risks for drivers.
What's Next
Looking ahead, a potentially strong low-pressure system is forecasted to impact the upper Midwest later in the week, with accumulating snowfall possible. However, confidence in the specifics of this system remains low, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Meteorologists say temperatures will hover near the freezing mark, creating the potential for rain to switch to freezing rain — and back again — throughout the alert period.” — KARE 11 Weather Team
- “As temperatures dip into the 20s Tuesday night, refreezing is possible, which could lead to another slippery commute Wednesday morning.” — FOX 9 Weather Team
