Blizzard and Winter Storm in Minnesota, January 17 to 18, 2020

Name: Blizzard and Winter Storm in Minnesota, January 17 to 18, 2020
Start: 2020-01-17T08:00
End: 2020-01-18T18:00
Location: Minnesota

January 17 to 18, 2020 · NWS MPX · 61 events in 42 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 61 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 61

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS MPX wrote it up.

A large storm system, which produced heavy snow during the onset, switched over to freezing drizzle, then back to light snow before transitioning to blowing snow and blizzard conditions. The storm started Friday morning, January 17th with a surge of initial deep moisture advecting northward across the Upper Midwest. A dry layer at mid-levels kept the snowfall across southwest, and south central Minnesota before this layer saturated by noon. There was a 3 to 5 hour period of heavy snowfall that produced snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour. A few areas in southwest Minnesota had already received 4 to 6 inches of snow before noon. This area of snow moved northeast and caused heavy snow bands across east central and central Minnesota, as well as west central Wisconsin by the afternoon. As quickly as the snow started, it ended by the late afternoon, and early evening as a dry slot at mid-levels cutoff any ice crystal producing clouds. This dry slot, and the accompany freezing drizzle once the snow ended, caused a layer of ice to form on the snow that fell earlier.

By sunrise, ice crystal producing clouds spread across the Upper Midwest as the main upper storm moved across the area. Periods of light snow fell across the region, but most of the accumulating snowfall had ended. The cold front moved across Minnesota, and into western Wisconsin by noon. Temperatures fell 10 to 20 degrees behind this front along with strong gusty winds developing. These winds created significant blowing and drifting snow in western Wisconsin, especially in open country. The winds slowly abated during the evening, but blowing snow continued.

A strong arctic cold front moved across Minnesota from before sunrise in the far west, to eastern Minnesota by late morning. The front was accompany by light to moderate snow which produced whiteout conditions for an hour.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Twin Cities, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 17, 6:24 AM CST, 1 hour 36 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 17, 6:24 AM CST, 1 hour 36 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
624 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

.SHORT TERM...(Today through Saturday)
Issued at 330 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

Short term concerns remain possible mix into southern mn overnight
and then strong winds/blizzard conditions for Saturday.

Water vapor imagery showing a couple of short waves embedded with
the long wave trough over the western CONUS. The leading wave
over Wyoming/Colorado with the main energy moving through the
Utah area. Models lift them both northeast and eventually merge
the trough over MN Friday night/Saturday morning. The GFS brought
much warmer air across southern MN overnight versus the NAM or the
ECMWF. The ECMWF was slower with the waves and maintains more of a
split system but deepens the upper low over the state Saturday.
Will maintain overall trend of the going forecast but lift the
possible freezing precipitation a bit farther north.

Timing of snow across the area still looks good. The snow should
develop north and east this morning, with the snow reaching east
central MN(metro) mainly after 18z. Snowfall rates could range
around 1 inch an hour per as it lifts northeast this morning per
latest trends of the HREF. A good 3 to 5 inches of snow over
central/east central MN looks likely this afternoon.

As the trough moves into the area tonight, we could see a weak
surface low track over southern MN in concert with the main low
developing into northeast IA by 12z Saturday. This may be enough
to draw some drier mid level air into far southern MN tonight. At
the moment we have generally less than one tenth of an inch of
ice, with the higher amounts along I90. As the strong winds move
into western MN around 12z Saturday, we expect blizzard conditions
to develop. The latest blizzard model showed likely conditions
into west central MN and possible south the Minnesota River
Valley. We issues the blizzard warning as far east as Kandiyohi
and Martin Co for Saturday for now. Still some question as to
amount of ice/snow accumulation farther east. Hopefully another
model run will help alleviate those concerns.

Temperatures should fall through the day Saturday to below zero
out west and through the teens to the far east in western WI.

.LONG TERM...(Saturday night through Thursday)
Issued at 345 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

Longer term concerns are headline extension/type for Saturday
night, and overall warming trend through next week.

Winds remain up into Saturday night as the deep surface low moves
east over the Great Lakes region. Wind chills will become a
concern Saturday night and we will need to monitor blowing snow
trends into the evening for headline type Saturday night.

Cool weather for the first part of the week, but flow pattern
flattens a bit and brings in more moderate temepratures toward the
end of the week. Model diverge on overall pattern with the GFS
more amplifed and brings in another potential storm system by the
end of the week. Will have to monitor trends but will maintain
small chance PoPs for Wed through Fri period for now.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Saturday morning)
Issued at 624 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

The incoming snow remains on track and is about to enter southwest
MN this morning. Short term models move the snow quickly
northeast, reaching KSTC/KMSP around 19Z. The storm system is
quite strong and therefore low level winds are also strong, with
50-60 knots in western MN. Have included the mention of wind
shear. Once the snow begins, visibilities will drop quickly and
most sites will see LIFR for several hours, often down to 1/4
mile. Snow rates should be one inch per hour or so. Other
important matter is the probability of freezing drizzle late
afternoon or evening in south central and southeast MN, possibly
reaching into the southern metro this evening.

KMSP...The snow start time remains around 19Z, and visibility will
drop quickly. Snow rates should be around one inch per hour,
possibly greater through at least 00Z. There is decent potential
it could last longer, until 01Z or 02Z. The other matter is the
freezing drizzle potential as warmer air aloft moves north from
Iowa. KMSP looks to be on the northern edge of this incoming
freezing drizzle, and if it arrives, it would likely not arrive
until 03Z. Once the heavier snow departs, MVFR ceilings should
remain.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
Sat...MVFR. SN ending early. Wind NW at 20G35kts.
Sun...MVFR cigs. Wind NW at 10G20kts.
Mon...VFR. Wind W at 5kts.

&&

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Winter Storm Warning from 2 PM this afternoon to 6 PM CST
     Saturday for WIZ014>016-023>028.

MN...Winter Storm Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 PM CST
     Saturday for MNZ041-042-049-058-066-067-075-076-083-084-092-
     093.

     Winter Storm Warning from noon today to 6 PM CST Saturday for
     MNZ043-044-050>052-059>063-068>070-077-078-085.

     Winter Storm Warning from 2 PM this afternoon to 6 PM CST
     Saturday for MNZ045-053.

     Winter Storm Warning until 6 AM CST Saturday for MNZ047-048-
     054>057-064-065-073-074-082-091.

     Blizzard Warning from 6 AM to 6 PM CST Saturday for MNZ047-048-
     054>057-064-065-073-074-082-091.

&&

SHORT TERM...DWE
LONG TERM...DWE
AVIATION...TDK

Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 17, 4:02 AM CST, 3 hours 58 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
402 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

MNZ041>045-049>053-058>063-066>070-075>078-083>085-092-093-
WIZ014>016-023>028-181015-
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stearns-Benton-Sherburne-
Isanti-Chisago-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-
Blue Earth-Waseca-Steele-Faribault-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk-
St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
402 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central
Minnesota...east central Minnesota...south central Minnesota...
southeast Minnesota...west central Minnesota...northwest
Wisconsin and west central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

A significant winter storm, including heavy snow with blowing and
drifting snow, producing strong impacts to travel across the
region.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Snow will come an end over eastern Minnesota and western
Wisconsin Saturday morning. Strong northwest winds will spread
east causing considerable blowing and drifting snow and hazardous
travel.

Dangerously cold wind chills of 20 to 30 degrees below zero are
expected over much of the area during the overnight and early
morning periods Saturday night and Sunday night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN spotter activation will not be needed.

MNZ047-048-054>057-064-065-073-074-082-091-181015-
Stevens-Pope-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-Redwood-Brown-Watonwan-Martin-
402 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central
Minnesota...south central Minnesota...southwest Minnesota and
west central Minnesota.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Snow, heavy at times will affect the region today along with
blowing and drifting snow. A period of light freezing rain or
freezing drizzle could move across southern Minnesota tonight.
Travel will be hazardous much of the day into tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Snow should end early Saturday as gusty northwest winds develop
Saturday morning. Blizzard conditions can be expected across west
central into a portion of south central Minnesota Saturday. Expect
hazardous travel conditions much of the day.

Dangerously cold wind chills of 20 to 30 degrees below zero are
expected over much of the area Saturday night and Sunday night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN spotter activation will not be needed.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

42 winter storm, 19 blizzard. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Lac Qui Parle

When: January 17, 8:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Lac Qui Parle forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.996, -96.173 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday, with some freezing drizzle during the afternoon and evening. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday due to strong winds and blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Yellow Medicine

When: January 17, 8:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Yellow Medicine forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.716, -95.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Locally 5 to 7 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday, with some freezing drizzle during the afternoon and evening. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday due to strong winds and blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Brown

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Brown forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.242, -94.727 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Chippewa

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Chippewa forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.022, -95.567 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Martin

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Martin forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.674, -94.551 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Redwood

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Redwood forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.404, -95.254 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Renville

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Renville forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.727, -94.947 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Locally 5 to 8 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday, with some freezing drizzle during the afternoon and evening. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday due to strong winds and blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Stevens

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Stevens forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.586, -96.000 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning and afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing snow occurred on Saturday, with some whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Swift

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Swift forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.283, -95.681 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning and afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Watonwan

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Watonwan forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.978, -94.614 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Blue Earth

When: January 17, 10:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Blue Earth forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.035, -94.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning and afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Douglas

When: January 17, 10:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Douglas forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.934, -95.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Faribault

When: January 17, 10:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Faribault forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.674, -93.948 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday afternoon, and into the evening. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Kandiyohi

When: January 17, 10:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Kandiyohi forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.152, -95.005 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning and early afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Some freezing drizzle occurred Friday night. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Nicollet

When: January 17, 10:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Nicollet forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.350, -94.247 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning and early afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Pope

When: January 17, 10:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Pope forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.586, -95.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the morning and early afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Sibley

When: January 17, 10:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Sibley forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.580, -94.232 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Freeborn

When: January 17, 11:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Freeborn forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 43.674, -93.349 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the late morning and early afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Le Sueur

When: January 17, 11:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Le Sueur forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.371, -93.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, McLeod

When: January 17, 11:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: McLeod forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.824, -94.272 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the late morning and afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday afternoon, and into the evening. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, with some whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Meeker

When: January 17, 11:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Meeker forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.123, -94.527 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Stearns

When: January 17, 11:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Stearns forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.552, -94.613 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the late morning and afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday evening. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, with some whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Todd

When: January 17, 11:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Todd forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 46.071, -94.898 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the late morning and afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Some freezing drizzle occurred Friday night. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, with some whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Waseca

When: January 17, 11:00 AM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Waseca forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.022, -93.587 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the late morning and afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Carver

When: January 17, 12:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Carver forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.821, -93.803 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, with some whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Rice

When: January 17, 12:00 PM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Rice forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.354, -93.297 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Scott

When: January 17, 12:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Scott forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.649, -93.536 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Steele

When: January 17, 12:00 PM CST to January 18, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Steele forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.022, -93.226 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the afternoon of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Blizzard conditions were met on Saturday, with whiteout conditions in open country.

Winter Storm, Wright

When: January 17, 12:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Wright forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.174, -93.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Benton

When: January 17, 1:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Benton forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.699, -93.999 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the afternoon and evening of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, especially in open country.

Winter Storm, Dakota

When: January 17, 1:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Dakota forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.672, -93.065 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Goodhue

When: January 17, 1:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Goodhue forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.410, -92.723 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Hennepin

When: January 17, 1:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Hennepin forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.005, -93.477 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Morrison

When: January 17, 1:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Morrison forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 46.013, -94.268 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Sherburne

When: January 17, 1:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Sherburne forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.444, -93.775 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Anoka

When: January 17, 2:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Anoka forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.273, -93.246 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Mille Lacs

When: January 17, 2:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Mille Lacs forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.938, -93.630 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the afternoon and evening of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, especially in open country.

Winter Storm, Ramsey

When: January 17, 2:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Ramsey forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.017, -93.100 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Washington

When: January 17, 2:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Washington forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.039, -92.884 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Chisago

When: January 17, 3:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Chisago forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.503, -92.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the late afternoon and evening of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Some ice accumulated on top of the snow. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, especially in open country.

Winter Storm, Isanti

When: January 17, 3:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Isanti forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.562, -93.295 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the late afternoon and evening of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, especially in open country.

Winter Storm, Kanabec

When: January 17, 3:00 PM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Kanabec forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.945, -93.293 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall rates of 1/2 inch per hour occurred during the late afternoon and evening of Friday, January 17th. Gusty winds accompany the snowfall and continued through the storm. Freezing drizzle also occurred Friday night. Locally 5 to 6 inches of snow fell on Friday, and early Saturday. Significant blowing and drifting snow occurred on Saturday, especially in open country.

Blizzard, Yellow Medicine

When: January 18, 4:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Yellow Medicine forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.716, -95.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that significant blowing snow started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Although wind speeds increased before sunrise, surface visibility did not drop to less than 1 mile under late morning. However, whiteout conditions were observed in parts of the county, during the afternoon.

Blizzard, Lac Qui Parle

When: January 18, 4:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Lac Qui Parle forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.996, -96.173 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Blizzard, Redwood

When: January 18, 5:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Redwood forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.404, -95.254 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon.

Blizzard, Chippewa

When: January 18, 5:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Chippewa forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 45.022, -95.567 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that significant blowing snow started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Although wind speeds increased before sunrise, surface visibility did not drop consistently to less than 1 mile under late morning. However, whiteout conditions were observed in parts of the county, during the afternoon.

Blizzard, Swift

When: January 18, 5:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Swift forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 45.283, -95.681 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that significant blowing snow started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Although wind speeds increased before sunrise, surface visibility did not drop consistently to less than 1 mile under late morning. However, whiteout conditions were observed in parts of the county, during the afternoon.

Blizzard, Brown

When: January 18, 5:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Brown forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.242, -94.727 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Blizzard, Renville

When: January 18, 5:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Renville forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.727, -94.947 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon.

Blizzard, Martin

When: January 18, 6:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Martin forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.674, -94.551 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Blizzard, Watonwan

When: January 18, 6:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Watonwan forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.978, -94.614 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Blizzard, Faribault

When: January 18, 6:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Faribault forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.674, -93.948 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon.

Blizzard, Blue Earth

When: January 18, 6:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Blue Earth forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.035, -94.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon. There was also numerous accidents around the county from the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.

Blizzard, Nicollet

When: January 18, 6:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Nicollet forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.350, -94.247 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon. There was also numerous accidents around the county from the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.

Blizzard, Sibley

When: January 18, 6:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Sibley forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.580, -94.232 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon.

Blizzard, Waseca

When: January 18, 7:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Waseca forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.022, -93.587 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon.

Blizzard, Steele

When: January 18, 7:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Steele forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.022, -93.226 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon.

Blizzard, Freeborn

When: January 18, 7:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Freeborn forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.674, -93.349 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon.

Blizzard, Le Sueur

When: January 18, 7:30 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Le Sueur forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 44.371, -93.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that blizzard conditions started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Whiteout conditions were observed across the county through the late afternoon. There was also numerous accidents around the county from the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.

Blizzard, Pope

When: January 18, 9:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Pope forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.586, -95.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that significant blowing snow started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Although wind speeds increased before sunrise, surface visibility did not drop consistently to less than 1 mile under late morning. However, whiteout conditions were observed in parts of the county, during the afternoon.

Blizzard, Kandiyohi

When: January 18, 9:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Kandiyohi forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.152, -95.005 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wind sensors, web cams, and trained observers, indicated that significant blowing snow started with the arrival of the cold frontal passage. By mid-morning, wind speeds increased to 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Although wind speeds increased before sunrise, surface visibility did not drop consistently to less than 1 mile under late morning. However, whiteout conditions were observed in parts of the county, during the afternoon.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Blizzard: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile for three hours or longer.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Minnesota in 2020 Every state in 2020 This day in weather history Warnings in Minnesota, January 2020

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 865164, 865192, 865150, 865152, 865166, 865174, 865176, 865184, 865185, 865189, 865149, 865156, 865157, 865163, 865171, 865172, 865181, 865158, 865165, 865167, 865168, 865182, 865186, 865187, 865151, 865177, 865179, 865183, 865190, 865148, 865155, 865159, 865160, 865170, 865180, 865147, 865169, 865173, 865188, 865153, and more.