As Minnesotans dig out, 'arctic sledgehammer' hits

As temperatures plummeted in the Twin Cities metro over the weekend, both Minneapolis and St. Paul declared snow emergencies on Saturday.

While Minnesotans dig out of the 6 inches of snow dumped in the area Friday night, the state is preparing for the lowest windchill since 2014. Air temperatures will drop on Saturday night to 20 degrees below zero in the metro area, according to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen. Accounting for the windchill, it could feel like 33 below.

In Minneapolis and St. Paul, snow emergencies were declared between 9 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Monday. Winds are hitting 10-15 miles per hour, which in combination with the snowfall, have produced an enduring arctic front.

Motorists were advised to stay indoors over the weekend, as the extreme cold could prompt frostbite within 15 minutes, according to meteorologist Eric Ahasic. Outside the metro area, temperatures could plummet to 40 below, especially in western Minnesota, Ahasic said.

Because of the cold, the Holidazzle in Loring Park altered its schedule. Holidazzle and the adjacent warming house for skating are closed on Sunday, and will reopen during regular hours on Monday. Holidazzle extended hours on Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday, Dec. 23 from noon-10 p.m.

The weekdays ahead will warm up to normal seasonal temperatures, according to Ahasic. The Weather Service is eyeing Wednesday for another potential storm, Ahasic said on Saturday morning.

"If you can make it through [Sunday], we have warm up in sight," he said. "We'll have highs around 30."

For snow emergency rules in Minneapolis, call 612-348-SNOW. In St. Paul, call 651-266-PLOW.

Natalie Daher • 612-673-1775