Minnesota Gov. Walz declares 'peacetime emergency' ahead of severe winter storm

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has declared a 'peacetime emergency' as the state braces for 20 inches of snow, while residents in California can expect to see some rare powder. 

Walz's declaration will allow the National Guard to help stranded drivers to safety and to respond to other emergencies throughout the snowstorm, alongside the police and Department of Transportation. 

'In past storms of this severity, dangerous conditions have threatened life and property, stranding vehicles, causing power outages, and straining public safety resources,' Walz wrote. 

'The resources of affected local and county governments will be inadequate to meet the demands caused by the coming severe winter weather conditions.

'For these reasons, I declare a peacetime emergency...' 

The emergency order is in place until February 28 or when the storm subsides. 

Governor Tim Walz declared a 'peacetime emergency' ahead of the storm that's hitting Minnesota today, which could dump up to 20 inches of snow on the state 

'In past storms of this severity, dangerous conditions have threatened life and property, stranding vehicles, causing power outages, and straining public safety resources,' Walz wrote

Walz said the state has 'all the capacities in terms of equipment' to handle the massive storm rolling across the US, but the 'goal is to make sure that we're ready if there's a power [outage], being able to keep the highways [open], and move emergency vehicles as quickly as we can.' 

Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said there are 800 snowplows and 1,600 snowplow drivers across the state. 

'Our crews are prepared and ready, and will be working tirelessly day and night to keep highways as safe for travel as possible,' she said. 

'We urge Minnesotans to plan ahead, stay home if you can, and check 511MN.org for latest road conditions near you.' 

Walz encouraged his citizens to 'drive safe, and limit travel, adding: 'This storm could break records.' 

The February record is 13.8 inches of snow from a single storm in Minneapolis and it's likely the city will get more than that this week. 

AccuWeather Meteorologist Matt Benz said the record is 'likely to be smashed.'  

More than half of the states in the US are preparing to be hit by the impending winter storm which is expected to wreak havoc on millions of Americans, causing up to 20 inches of snow in some areas. 

And in a rare occurrence, the entire state of California might be able to see snow coming from higher elevations, but not every city will see snow touch down, UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain predicts if 'they look in the right direction' they'll see the flurries. 

 Minneapolis could get up to 22 inches of snow from the storm 

 The lower end of the spectrum could see the state getting as low as a foot of snow. Part of Walz's declaration is allowing the National Guard to help rescued stranded drivers and assist in emergencies 

'Nearly the entire population of CA will be able to see snow from some vantage point later this week if they look in the right direction (i.e., toward the highest hills in vicinity),' he wrote on Twitter. 

'Snow remains very unlikely in CA's major cities, but it'll fall quite nearby.'  

Northern and Southern California are expected to see rain, hail, and snow through Saturday. 

Southern Californians are preparing to see the coldest temperatures in years with snow and winds up to 80 miles per hour possible in some mountain regions. 

Wind gusts in the valley and coastal regions will range from 30 to 50 miles per hour and temps will fall into the high 40s and low 50s.

Rain, snow, and wind speeds up to 80 miles per hour are possible in the mountain and foothill areas.

Ahead of the snow, major airlines have begun to issue warnings and adjust ticketing policies.

Delta, Southwest, and United have announced travel waivers and reduced fees for flights that are rebooked into and out of certain airports. 

As of Monday evening, FOX Weather reported that more than 30million Americans are under some sort of winter weather alert with that number expected to grow.

Around 30million Americans are under some sort of winter weather alert. Wind gusts as strong as 26 mph are pictured blowing a ripped American flag on February 16, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska

Winter storm warnings and watches were posted throughout Midwest states like Minnesota and Wisconsin, which could see nearly two feet in the span of 48 hours.

Parts of central and southern Minnesota are preparing for 22 inches, according to Tyler Hasenstein, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

'If you don't have to travel Tuesday through Thursday, don't,' Hasenstein said.

The statement from the meteorologist echoes the actions taken by airlines like Delta, Southwest, and United which have posted information about travel waivers ahead of the precipitation.

Southwest is currently offering a rebooking code for cities in Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, and Utah. Delta is offering waivers for seven airports in Minnesota and airports in Wyoming and Canada.

Blizzard warnings are currently in effect for portions of southern Wyoming.

 On top of the snow, the Upper Midwest can expect freezing temperatures, some even hitting in the negatives 

Many airlines have also already started offering waivers for flights this week 

Additional warnings and watches are expected to be announced as the week progresses.

As states in the Midwest and along the West Coast deal with cold and snow, some areas in the southeast are seeing unprecedented warm temperatures.

Florida is expected to break several records for heat this week.

Orlando is forecasted to see a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, officially breaking the 90 degree record set in 1962.

The heat is caused by a high-pressure front that will cause Florida and parts of the Southeast to heat up drastically.