Blizzard in Minnesota, January 17 to 18, 2020

Name: Blizzard in Minnesota, January 17 to 18, 2020
Start: 2020-01-17T07:00
End: 2020-01-18T16:00
Location: Minnesota

January 17 to 18, 2020 · NWS FSD · 8 events in 8 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 8 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 1
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 8

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 FSD wrote it up.

The most significant winter storm during January started as a surge of warm advection, followed by a strong trough through the southern Rockies on Friday, January 17. A period of moderate to heavy snowfall swept across the area, accompanied by southerly winds gusting to 35 to 45 mph. Snowfall then tapered off to a period of light freezing rain and freezing drizzle into the evening hours, before changing back to snow. By late evening and early in the overnight, winds transitioned to northwest and increased to 35 to 45 mph, with gusts of 50 to 60 mph common as low pressure intensified across Iowa. Strong winds persisted most of Saturday as the area of low pressure moved slowly toward the western Great Lakes. Most areas received between 4 and 8 inches of snowfall as well as a glaze of ice, with just shy of a quarter inch of ice in the Sioux City area.

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 Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 17, 5:52 AM CST, 1 hour 8 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 17, 5:52 AM CST, 1 hour 8 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
552 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

.SHORT TERM...(Today through Saturday)
Issued at 344 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

...WINTER STORM WARNING TODAY...
...BLIZZARD WARNING TONIGHT INTO SATURDAY...

Very active forecast in the near term as a vigorous upper trough
impacts the region through the weekend. Temperatures and southeast
winds have been on the rise ahead of leading short wave approaching
from the south.  As of 09Z, precipitation has made it up to the I-80
corridor, and is expected to quickly advance north through the
morning hours. Great upper level jet dynamics exist today with
forecast area in left exit region of a 100+ knot jet streak across
the Central Plains.  Models are generally producing 0.25-0.50" of
precipitation in the 12-18Z timeframe, with the GFS a bit higher.
EPV* is negative through the morning hours through a fairly deep
layer, suggesting the potential for enhanced banding. Once the
precipitation begins across the area this morning, expected
conditions to rapidly deteriorate with 1+"/hr snowfall rates.

Snowfall rates should slow up this afternoon with a more stable
atmosphere and leading shortwave lifting to the northeast, but deep
isentropic lift continues.  Pressure gradient also increases across
the area through the late afternoon, leading the potential for
increasing blowing snow around the region.  Have a fairly wet snow
through the day today with snow ratios of 9-11:1, so may be the case
of blowing snow as the snow is falling as opposed to lofting the
snow off the surface.

Snowfall amounts with this system are strikingly similar amongst the
various solutions, with a very narrow window of 1-3 inches of snow
between the 10th and 90th percentiles.

This evening, surface low tracks along the Missouri River Valley.
The dendritic layer, (which is quite high around 600 mb) dries out
and could see a period of drizzle/freezing drizzle based on surface
temperatures. There are hints that the drying may not surge all the
way north to the highway 14 corridor, so may see light snow
continuing there.

Strong inverted trough works from west to east across the forecast
area. Very strong pressure rises (near 10 mb/3 hr) coupled with cold
air advection will lead to rapidly increasing winds behind the
frontal passage. Models in good agreement with 40-50 knots at 925
hpa, and have raised winds/wind gusts through the overnight hours.
Could also see a quick burst of snow as the inverted trough works
from west to east across the area.

Headlines: As for headlines, left the winter storm warning for the
snow and wind through the day today.  As the very strong winds
develop tonight with the passage of the inverted trough, transition
the winter storm warning to a blizzard warning.

There is some concern that the freezing drizzle through the evening
hours ahead of the trough could crust over the snow; however, with
the very strong pressure rises, cold air advection and very strong
gradient winds coupled with additional light snow, expect wind gusts
near 50 knots to trump small icing threat.

Have run the blowing snow model, and it gives very high values of
blowing snow Friday night through Saturday.  Therefore, have the
blizzard warning running through the afternoon hours on Saturday.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday through Thursday)
Issued at 344 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

Thereafter, temperatures return to where we just came from...in the
single digits and teens below zero. Expect we will need a wind chill
advisory once the blizzard warning expires Saturday night into at
least Sunday morning.  Temperatures will struggle to warm
substantially on Sunday with fresh snow cover and 925 hpa
temperatures of -20 to -25 C.  This should keep highs on Sunday near
0 F.

Expecting a warming trend through next week, but have not made any
modifications to the extended with very active short term. Could see
a system midweek bring additional light precipitation to the region,
however, it is phased with a greedy wave tracking across the south
US.  This system to the south will limit the amount of moisture for
the northern system.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Saturday morning)
Issued at 544 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

Winter storm expected to impact the region today. IFR or lower
conditions expected to quickly develop across the region as snow
develops across the region. Snow will be heaviest along and east
of the James. From 15-19Z in Sioux Falls, potential to see 1/4sm
visibility in heavy snow, but have not added to the forecast at
this point. Strong and gusty southeast winds will continue
throughout the day today.

This evening, inverted trough will pass through the region, with
very strong northwest winds developing behind the front. Winds
could gust to 50 mph Saturday morning, before gradually decreasing
through the day. The strong northwest winds will likely create
blowing snow and reduced visibility.

&&

.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST tonight for SDZ070-071.

     Blizzard Warning from midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Saturday for
     SDZ039-040-054>056-061-062-066-067-070-071.

     Winter Storm Warning until 9 PM CST this evening for SDZ050-063-
     064-068-069.

     Blizzard Warning from 9 PM this evening to 3 PM CST Saturday for
     SDZ038-050-052-053-057>060-063>065-068-069.

     Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST tonight for SDZ040.

     Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST tonight for SDZ039-
     054>056-061-062-066-067.

     Winter Storm Warning until 9 PM CST this evening for SDZ038-052-
     053-057>060-065.

MN...Blizzard Warning from midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Saturday for
     MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-098.

     Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST tonight for MNZ071-072-
     080-081-089-090-097.

     Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST tonight for MNZ098.

IA...Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST tonight for IAZ020-031.

     Blizzard Warning from midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Saturday for
     IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032.

     Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST tonight for IAZ001>003-
     012>014-021-022-032.

NE...Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST tonight for NEZ013-014.

     Blizzard Warning from midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Saturday for
     NEZ013-014.

&&

SHORT TERM...BT
LONG TERM...BT
AVIATION...BT

Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 17, 4:38 AM CST, 2 hours 22 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
438 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-
098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-050-052>071-181045-
Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O'Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee-
Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Lincoln-Murray-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-
Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings-Gregory-
Jerauld-Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-
McCook-Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-Bon Homme-
Yankton-Union-
438 AM CST Fri Jan 17 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwest Iowa,
west central Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska,
central South Dakota, east central South Dakota, south central
South Dakota, and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Snow is expected to quickly develop across the region this
morning. Snow may be heavy at times through the morning hours,
with snowfall rates exceeding one inch per hour. Strong gusty
southeast winds are expected throughout the day, gusting as high
as 45 mph. Three to seven inches of snow is expected, with the
heaviest snow along and east of the James River. A period of light
drizzle or freezing drizzle is possible this evening.

Strong northwest winds are expected to develop this evening and
continue into Saturday. Winds gusts to 50 mph are expected to
create blizzard conditions tonight into Saturday.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Strong northwest winds will create blizzard conditions through
much of the day Saturday. Winds will slowly decrease late in the
day.

Wind chills of 15 to 30 below zero can be expected Saturday night
into Sunday morning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected, but snow reports are
appreciated.

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

8 blizzard. Local standard time, as filed.

Blizzard, Rock

When: January 17, 7:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Rock forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.675, -96.253 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A period of heavy snowfall with winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph moved through during the morning and early afternoon of January 17, before tapering to several hours of freezing drizzle. Ice accumulations were generally a glaze to a tenth of an inch, before precipitation changed back to snow in the evening. Winds then picked up from the northwest, with peak wind gusts during the morning of January 18 reaching 59 mph at Luverne and 48 mph near Beaver Creek. Combined with snowfall and previous snow, winds produced numerous hours with visibility of around one-quarter mile or less, with travel not recommended. Total snowfall reached 7.0 inches at Hills.

Blizzard, Nobles

When: January 17, 7:30 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Nobles forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.674, -95.753 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A period of heavy snowfall with winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph moved through during the morning and early afternoon of January 17, before tapering to several hours of freezing drizzle. Ice accumulations were generally a glaze to a tenth of an inch, before precipitation changed back to snow in the evening. Winds then picked up from the northwest, with peak wind gusts during midday on January 18 reaching 48 mph at Worthington and 44 mph near Rushmore. Combined with snowfall and previous snow, winds produced numerous hours with visibility of around one-quarter mile or less, with travel not recommended. Total snowfall reached 6.0 inches at Worthington.

Blizzard, Murray

When: January 17, 8:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Murray forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.022, -95.763 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A period of heavy snowfall with winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph moved through during the morning and early afternoon of January 17, before tapering to several hours of freezing drizzle. Ice accumulations were generally a glaze to a tenth of an inch, before precipitation changed back to snow in the evening. Winds then picked up from the northwest, with peak wind gusts during midday on January 18 reaching 44 mph at Slayton. Combined with snowfall and previous snow, winds produced numerous hours with visibility of around one-quarter mile or less, with travel not recommended. Total snowfall reached 6.0 inches at Lake Wilson.

Blizzard, Pipestone

When: January 17, 8:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Pipestone forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.023, -96.259 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A period of heavy snowfall with winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph moved through during the morning and early afternoon of January 17, before tapering to several hours of freezing drizzle. Ice accumulations were generally a glaze to a tenth of an inch, before precipitation changed back to snow in the evening. Winds then picked up from the northwest, with peak wind gusts during the morning of January 18 reaching 41 mph at Pipestone. Combined with snowfall and previous snow, winds produced numerous hours with visibility of around one-quarter mile or less, with travel not recommended. Total snowfall reached 8.7 inches at Pipestone and 7.7 inches at Edgerton.

Blizzard, Jackson

When: January 17, 8:30 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.674, -95.154 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A period of heavy snowfall with winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph moved through during the morning and early afternoon of January 17, before tapering to several hours of freezing drizzle. Ice accumulations were generally a glaze to a tenth of an inch, before precipitation changed back to snow in the evening. Winds then picked up from the northwest, with peak wind gusts during midday on January 18 reaching 45 mph at Jackson and 41 mph near Lakefield. Combined with snowfall and previous snow, winds produced numerous hours with visibility of around one-quarter mile or less, with travel not recommended. Total snowfall reached 7.2 inches at Jackson and 7.0 inches 2 miles northeast of Lakefield.

Blizzard, Lincoln

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Injuries: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.413, -96.267 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A period of heavy snowfall with winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph moved through during the morning and early afternoon of January 17, before tapering to several hours of freezing drizzle. Ice accumulations were generally a glaze, before precipitation changed back to snow in the evening. Winds then picked up from the northwest, with peak wind gusts around midday January 18 reaching 46 mph 5 miles south of Hendricks and 44 mph near Lake Benton. Combined with snowfall and previous snow, winds produced numerous hours with visibility of around one-quarter mile or less, with travel not recommended. Total snowfall reached 3.7 inches 8 miles southeast of Hendricks. At 1647CST January 18, a vehicle lost control on snow-covered U.S. Highway 75 just south of the intersection with Township Road 46 and rolled onto its roof, resulting in an (indirect) injury to the driver.

Blizzard, Lyon

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Lyon forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.414, -95.839 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A period of heavy snowfall with winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph moved through during the morning and early afternoon of January 17, before tapering to several hours of freezing drizzle. Ice accumulations were generally a glaze, before precipitation changed back to snow in the evening. Winds then picked up from the northwest, with peak wind gusts around midday January 18 reaching 47 mph at Marshall. Combined with snowfall and previous snow, winds produced numerous hours with visibility of around one-quarter mile or less, with travel not recommended. Total snowfall reached 6.0 inches at Tracy, 5.5 inches at Marshall and 5.0 inches at Minneota.

Blizzard, Cottonwood

When: January 17, 9:00 AM CST to January 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Cottonwood forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.007, -95.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A period of heavy snowfall with winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph moved through during the morning and early afternoon of January 17, before tapering to several hours of freezing drizzle. Ice accumulations were generally a glaze to a tenth of an inch, before precipitation changed back to snow in the evening. Winds then picked up from the northwest, with peak wind gusts during midday on January 18 reaching 46 mph near Jeffers and 44 mph at Windom. Combined with snowfall and previous snow, winds produced numerous hours with visibility of around one-quarter mile or less, with travel not recommended. Total snowfall reached 4.6 inches at Windom.

What these are

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: 874074, 874080, 874075, 874078, 874081, 874076, 874077, 874079.