Alert archive / Minnesota / Winter Storm Warnings in 2021

Winter Storm Warning 6, NWS Twin Cities, MN

December 15, 20214 counties in Minnesota

NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this winter storm warning at Dec 15, 2021, 3:38 PM CST for 4 counties in Minnesota. It took effect at Dec 15, 2021, 8:00 PM CST. It was in force for 14 hr. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Dec 15, 2021, 3:38 PM CST (21:38 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 15, 2021, 8:00 PM CST
Expired
Dec 16, 2021, 10:00 AM CST
In force
14 hr
Issued by
NWS Twin Cities, MN

Counties Douglas County, MN, Pope County, MN, Stevens County, MN, Todd County, MN

The radar

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 181 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:39 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Dec 16, 6:00 AM CSTSNOW 1.22 Sw Long Prairie, MNCO-OP OBSERVER STATION LNGM5 LONG PRAIRIE.
Dec 16, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 2.43 Nw Donnelly, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-SV-4 DONNELLY 2WNW.
Dec 16, 8:00 AM CSTSNOW 22 Nne Long Prairie, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-TD-12 LONG PRAIRIE 2.1 NNE.
Dec 16, 8:30 AM CSTSNOW 1.41 Ssw Alexandria, MNCO-OP OBSERVER STATION ALXM5 ALEXANDRIA.
Dec 16, 8:30 AM CSTSNOW 3.56 N Farwell, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-DS-6 FARWELL 5N.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 9.6 hours before the alert went out and 179 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2021-12-15Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2021-12-15The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 251 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
1 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-51 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
455 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
56 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
251 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
291 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

170 
WWUS43 KMPX 152138
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
338 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

MNZ041-042-047-048-160945-
/O.UPG.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.211216T0300Z-211216T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.WS.W.0006.211216T0200Z-211216T1600Z/
Douglas-Todd-Stevens-Pope-
Including the cities of Alexandria, Long Prairie, Morris, 
and Glenwood
338 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM
CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...A heavy wintry mix of snow and freezing drizzle, along
  with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph. Total snow accumulations of
  2 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of a few hundredths of an 
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Douglas, Todd, Stevens and Pope Counties.

* WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds 
  could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Near-blizzard conditions are possible with
  visibility dropping under 1 miles as northwest winds gust in 
  excess of 50 mph tonight. Also, a flash freeze on roadways on 
  other surfaces is likely as rain this evening quickly 
  transitions to a wintry mix and temperatures plummet into the 
  teens.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ057-058-064-065-073-160945-
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.211216T0200Z-211216T1200Z/
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Yellow Medicine-Renville-Redwood-
Including the cities of Willmar, Litchfield, Granite Falls, 
Olivia, and Redwood Falls
338 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 AM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of up to one inch and ice accumulations of a light glaze. 
  Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Kandiyohi, Meeker, Yellow Medicine, Renville and 
  Redwood Counties.

* WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 6 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Strong winds could 
  cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph will lead to
  low visibility and hazardous travel tonight. A flash freeze on 
  roadways on other surfaces is likely as rain this evening 
  quickly transitions to a wintry mix and temperatures plummet 
  into the teens.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ043>045-049-050-160945-
/O.EXB.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.211216T0600Z-211216T1600Z/
Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stearns-Benton-
Including the cities of Little Falls, Princeton, Mora, St Cloud, 
and Sauk Rapids
338 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
10 AM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Stearns and Benton 
  Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Strong winds could 
  cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph will lead to
  low visibility and hazardous travel tonight. A flash freeze on
  roadways on other surfaces is likely as rain this evening
  quickly transitions to a wintry mix and temperatures plummet
  into the teens.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ054>056-160945-
/O.EXT.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.211216T0200Z-211216T1200Z/
Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Including the cities of Madison, Benson, and Montevideo
338 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING
TO 6 AM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of up to one inch and ice accumulations of a light glaze. 
  Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central and west central Minnesota.

* WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 6 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Strong winds could 
  cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph will lead to
  low visibility and hazardous travel tonight. A flash freeze on
  roadways on other surfaces is likely as rain this evening
  quickly transitions to a wintry mix and temperatures plummet
  into the teens.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
832 
WWUS43 KMPX 160511
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1111 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

MNZ041-042-047-048-161315-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.W.0006.000000T0000Z-211216T1600Z/
Douglas-Todd-Stevens-Pope-
Including the cities of Alexandria, Long Prairie, Morris, 
and Glenwood
1111 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to two 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Stevens, Pope, Douglas and Todd Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds 
  could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ054>058-064-065-073-161200-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.000000T0000Z-211216T1200Z/
Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Yellow Medicine-
Renville-Redwood-
Including the cities of Madison, Benson, Montevideo, Willmar, 
Litchfield, Granite Falls, Olivia, and Redwood Falls
1111 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch. 
  Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, southwest and west central 
  Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Very strong winds 
  could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ043>045-049-050-161315-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.211216T0600Z-211216T1600Z/
Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stearns-Benton-
Including the cities of Little Falls, Princeton, Mora, St Cloud, 
and Sauk Rapids
1111 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Morrison, Benton, Mille Lacs, Stearns and Kanabec 
  Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds 
  could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

Borghoff
918 
WWUS43 KMPX 161024
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
424 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

MNZ041-042-047-048-161600-
/O.CON.KMPX.WS.W.0006.000000T0000Z-211216T1600Z/
Douglas-Todd-Stevens-Pope-
Including the cities of Alexandria, Long Prairie, Morris, 
and Glenwood
424 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch.
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Stevens, Pope, Douglas and Todd Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds 
  could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ054>058-064-065-073-161200-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.000000T0000Z-211216T1200Z/
Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Yellow Medicine-
Renville-Redwood-
Including the cities of Madison, Benson, Montevideo, Willmar, 
Litchfield, Granite Falls, Olivia, and Redwood Falls
424 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY
THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch.
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, southwest and west central 
  Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST early this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ043>045-049-050-161600-
/O.CON.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.000000T0000Z-211216T1600Z/
Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stearns-Benton-
Including the cities of Little Falls, Princeton, Mora, St Cloud, 
and Sauk Rapids
424 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch.
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Morrison, Benton, Mille Lacs, Stearns and Kanabec 
  Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds 
  could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found
at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

Borghoff
218 
WWUS43 KMPX 161546
WSWMPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
946 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

MNZ041-042-047-048-161700-
/O.EXP.KMPX.WS.W.0006.000000T0000Z-211216T1600Z/
Douglas-Todd-Stevens-Pope-
Including the cities of Alexandria, Long Prairie, Morris, 
and Glenwood
946 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 AM CST THIS MORNING...

Snowfall has ended across the counties included in the warning
with no additional snowfall expected. Breezy conditions today may
produce areas of blowing snow but widespread travel impacts are
not expected. Therefore, the Winter Storm Warning will be allowed
to expire.

$$

MNZ043>045-049-050-161700-
/O.EXP.KMPX.WW.Y.0014.000000T0000Z-211216T1600Z/
Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stearns-Benton-
Including the cities of Little Falls, Princeton, Mora, St Cloud, 
and Sauk Rapids
946 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 10 AM CST THIS
MORNING...

Snowfall has ended across the counties included in the advisory
with no additional snowfall expected. Breezy conditions today 
may produce areas of blowing snow but widespread travel impacts 
are not expected. Therefore, the Winter Weather Advisory will be 
allowed to expire.

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Twin Cities, MN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 15, 3:28 AM CSTWinter Weather AdvisoryMPXBenton, Chippewa, Douglas, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle and 11 more31 hr
Dec 15, 3:34 AM CSTDense Fog AdvisoryMPXAnoka, Benton, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa and 36 more11 hr
Dec 15, 5:25 PM CSTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatMPXBlue Earth, Faribault, Martin, Watonwan35 min

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Minnesota, 2021Every winter storm warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.