Blizzard in Minnesota, January 9 to 11, 1997

A powerful Alberta Clipper and a deep Arctic High brought widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions, heavy drifting snow, and dangerous wind chills of 40 to 70 below to Big Stone and Traverse counties. North winds were from 30 to 50 mph gusting to 60 mph. The clipper dropped from 3 to 5 inches of snow, adding to the already expansive and deep snowpack of 2 to 4 feet. As with previous storms, most roads again became blocked by huge snowdrifts resulting in road closures, leaving people stranded to wait out the storm. Some people became stuck in snowdrifts or went off the road because of low visibilities, and had to be rescued. Emergency personnel again had a difficult time responding to emergencies, taking up to several hours to go short distances. All schools were closed, with the amount of days missed accumulating for the winter season. Many businesses were closed, with some grocery stores running low on milk, bread, and other food necessities. Ranchers were running out of or were unable to access food for their livestock. As a result of the extreme conditions and lack of food, many livestock died. Some people were trapped in their homes, and had to climb out their windows. Snow removal budgets in both counties were being depleted. In the middle of January, President Clinton declared the counties a disaster area. The total damage estimate for this January blizzard and for the previous January winter storm is 5 million dollars. This includes the added snow removal costs, livestock losses, building damages, and other economic losses.