Extreme Cold and Parade Detours: Minneapolis Saturday Commute Update

Winter Storm Fern and Extreme Cold Warning

Minneapolis is facing dangerously low temperatures this Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Winter Storm Fern moves through the region. With temperatures plunging to -16°F and wind chills reaching as low as -40°F, commuters are advised to limit outdoor exposure. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. If you must drive, ensures your vehicle is equipped with a winter emergency kit, as the extreme cold can cause sudden battery failures and tire pressure drops. Roads remain slick due to recent light snow and ice accumulation, requiring extra following distance on all major arteries including I-94 and I-35W.

Metro Transit: Parade Detours and Facility Alerts

Public transit users should prepare for significant route adjustments today. Most notably, Route 63 is under a major detour from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM due to the King Boreas' Grande Day Parade. The route is detoured off Grand Avenue between Hamline Avenue and I-35E. Passengers should use temporary stops on St. Clair Avenue or Pascal Street during this window. Additionally, several facility issues are impacting accessibility:

• Lake St/Midtown Station: Both the south tower elevator and escalators are currently unavailable due to mechanical issues. Riders should use the north tower elevator for platform access.
• Franklin Ave Station: Both elevators are out of service. The station remains accessible only via the ramp on the north side.
• I-35W & Lake St Station: The southeast tower elevators are closed for repairs. Access is still available through the northeast, northwest, and southwest towers.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Closures

Construction projects continue to impact traffic flow across the metro area despite the winter weather. In Bloomington and Richfield, the major I-494 reconstruction project is in a high-impact phase. The ramp from Portland Avenue to westbound I-494 remains closed, and motorists should expect intermittent nightly lane closures in both directions between East Bush Lake Road and 12th Avenue. On I-394, the entrance ramp from Louisiana Avenue to eastbound lanes is closed for long-term construction through June 2026.

Downtown Congestion Advisory

Congestion is expected in downtown Minneapolis throughout the afternoon as thousands are anticipated to gather for an immigration-related protest. Drivers should avoid the vicinity of government buildings and the Mill District, as localized street closures and heavy pedestrian traffic may cause unexpected delays. Combined with the extreme cold, traffic is moving significantly slower than usual on all city center streets.