A fast moving, but intense Alberta Clipper system, brought light snowfall across much of southern and portions of west central Minnesota Monday January 12th. However, very strong winds developed as an area of low pressure intensified across central Minnesota. This caused blizzard, or near blizzard conditions across a portion of west central Minnesota Monday morning, with winter storm conditions spreading south and east across the remainder of southern Minnesota during the afternoon and evening of January 12th.
A blizzard watch was issued over 36 hours before the event began, with winter storm warnings issued 6 to 12 hours before blizzard conditions were met across west central Minnesota. Several areas along the far western border of Minnesota reported sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, along with frequent gusts of 45 to 50 mph near Madison, Appleton, and other areas across Lac Qui Parle, western Chippewa, and western Swift counties. Even though not all areas reported three consecutive hours of sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph along with visibilities of 1/4 of a mile or less, numerous communities had several hours of one mile or less in blowing snow, with wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph.
Some areas of east central Minnesota did not receive the strong winds, but a few bands of intense snowfall rates caused areas just south of the Twin Cities to receive between four and six inches of snow.
Even after the snow stopped during the evening, strong winds and falling temperatures caused dangerously cold wind chill values.
The following are wind chill values obtained during the height of the coldest temperatures and highest wind speeds around the area.
Glenwood at -46, Morris at -45, Alexandria at -43, St. Cloud at -43, Benson at -42, Princeton at -42, Albert Lea at -40, and Lakeville at -40.