Winter Storm in Minnesota, April 1, 2023

Name: Winter Storm in Minnesota, April 1, 2023
Start: 2023-04-01T00:00
End: 2023-04-01T07:00
Location: Minnesota

April 1, 2023 · NWS MPX · 35 events in 35 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 35 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

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 35

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 powerful late spring system produced a band of very heavy snow across the region on the evening of March 31, and ending during the early morning of April 01. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour combined with northwest winds of 30 to near 40 mph hour. This was a heavy, wet snow, and as a result there were widespread power outages with the highest snowfall amounts across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In some areas, recovery lasted multiple days before full power was restored.

A report from the fire chief in Stillwater Minnesota (Washington County) said this was a major event. They had whiteout conditions from 0100 to 0230 AM. The amount of trees down and power outages were significant. I have not experienced this during a winter storm during my career.

A few noteable snowfall amounts are:|13.0 inches near Oakdale in Washington County.|12.0 inches near Woodbury in Washington County.|12.0 inches near Monticello in Wright County.|12.0 inches near Medina in Hennepin County.|11.1 inches near Coon Rapids in Anoka County.|9.5 inches near Watertown in Carver County.|9.0 inches near North St Paul in Ramsey County.|9.0 inches near Eden Valley in Meeker County.|9.0 inches near Northfield in Dakota County.|8.5 inches near Prior Lake in Scott County.|8.4 inches near Winsted in McLeod County.|8.0 inches near Dundas in Rice County.|7.8 inches near Paynesville in Stearns County. |7.8 inches near New Prague in Le Sueur County.

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 Mar 31, 10:34 PM CST, 1 hour 26 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 31, 10:34 PM CST, 1 hour 26 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1134 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023

.UPDATED for 06Z Aviation Discussion...
Issued at 1122 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023

&&

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Saturday night)
Issued at 327 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023

KEY MESSAGES:

- Blizzard Warnings expanded eastward into Wisconsin tonight.

- Several hours of heavy snow with rates of 1 to 2.5 inches per
  hour, combined with wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, will lead to
  whiteout conditions.

Showers and thunderstorms are quickly developing across the area
this afternoon as elevated instability continues to build northward
and intense dynamics begin to advance east to the Upper Midwest. A
few severe thunderstorms have been observed as far northwest as
eastern SD this afternoon. A few severe cells are possible across
Minnesota into the early evening capable of large hail.

As the evening progresses, colder air will wrap in and precipitation
will transition to widespread heavy snow. As the cyclone rapidly
becomes negatively tilted, intense bands of snow will form across
eastern/southern MN and WI later this evening. HREF probs for 1
inch/hr rates are near 100 percent and are even greater than 50
percent for 2+ inches/hr. Thus, there could well be 2 to 3 inch per
hour rates at times and snow will pile up very quickly. The shield
of snow will be slow moving as the system wraps up to the southeast
and several hours of intense snow are likely. Because of these
factors, total snowfall amounts have lower confidence than usual,
but chances for exceeding 8 inches are increasing markedly. The
ceiling could be high as the new snow probabilities illustrate
(10-12+ inches), but this is dependent on intense snow rates for at
least a few hours. Time is the limiting factor as the snow shield
will sink southeast overnight and end before dawn. An intense, but
relatively short system will lead to severe impacts tonight.

Winds will increase steadily through the evening with some gusts of
40 to 50 mph. Widespread blowing snow will result and whiteout
conditions will make travel dangerous or impossible. With a high
probability of near zero visibility in falling snow alone given the
winds expected, the Blizzard Warning has been expanded eastward
across much of the CWA into Wisconsin. This includes the core metro.
Any blowing snow will make conditions even worse.

Conditions will improve quickly after the snow ends. Winds will
diminish as well. Saturday will be a rather tranquil day with plenty
of sun and light winds by afternoon.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday through Friday)
Issued at 327 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023

KEY MESSAGES:

- Strong warm air advection on Sunday may fairly widespread highs of
  at least 50 degrees for points south and east of the Twin Cities.

- Another multi-faceted spring system by the middle of next week as
  seasonably cool temperatures stick around.

A shortwave and associated low will pass along US/CAN border on
Sunday. The good news is that most should stay dry, but there is a
non-zero chance for some light precipitation through early afternoon.
Southerly winds ramp up in response to the passing low pressure and
will usher in much warmer temperatures. Highs will range between mid
to upper 40s for most, but areas across central and western MN may
stay in the upper 30s to lower 40s due to lingering snow pack.
Monday shouldn't be much different other than a few degrees cooler.
High pressure will linger to our west ahead of the next strong low
pressure system begins to deepen in the Plains.

This system will be the next one on our doorstep for next Tuesday
into Wednesday. There's good model agreement that another potent
Spring low pressure system will eject out of the northern/central
Plains and lift into Ontario. Again, the issue with this system will
be determining P-Types, given the time of year systems tend to have
strong thermal gradients. Where the thermal gradient sets up will be
largely determined by the track of the low. The location of this
gradient will determine where the rain/snow line sets up. Some
solutions are more dynamic with a sub 980mb low through western
MN/eastern Dakotas while others are less dynamic with a weaker low
passing through eastern MN. Guidance also suggests the potential for
a dry slot to cut into QPF amounts along the track of the low.
Ensemble guidance suggests that the bulk of the snow from that
system will miss us to the north and west, but again, we're several
days out.

Temperatures will remain seasonably cool with highs in the 30s and
40s most of the week, with a potential (relative) warm up by Friday.
Winds will pick up as the pressure gradient tightens before, during,
and after the midweek system, but nothing of significance. After
this system moves through we'll see the return of a drier pattern,
but some ensembles depict potential for addition QPF just beyond our
forecast period.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 06Z TAFS through 06Z Saturday night)
Issued at 1122 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023

IFR/LIFR conditions with heavy snow and blowing snow overnight, but
this will taper off from west to east and by morning most locations
will have VFR conditions. Northerly winds will decrease toward
morning, and take on a more southwest wind direction.

KMSP...
Heavy snow will continue through around 08Z, and then snow should
begin to taper off and should exit the region by 10 or 11Z. Northerly
winds will taper off on Saturday and become more southwest by
evening.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
SAT...VFR. Wind NW 5-10 kts becoming light/variable.
SUN...VFR. Wind S becoming W 10-15 kts.
MON...VFR. Wind NW 5-10 kts.

&&

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Winter Storm Warning until 7 AM CDT Saturday for Benton-Douglas-
     Freeborn-Kanabec-Mille Lacs-Morrison-Todd.

     Blizzard Warning until 7 AM CDT Saturday for Anoka-Blue Earth-Brown-
     Carver-Chippewa-Chisago-Dakota-Faribault-Goodhue-Hennepin-
     Isanti-Kandiyohi-Lac Qui Parle-Le Sueur-Martin-McLeod-Meeker-
     Nicollet-Pope-Ramsey-Redwood-Renville-Rice-Scott-Sherburne-
     Sibley-Stearns-Steele-Stevens-Swift-Waseca-Washington-Watonwan-
     Wright-Yellow Medicine.

WI...Blizzard Warning until 7 AM CDT Saturday for Barron-Chippewa-Dunn-
     Eau Claire-Pepin-Pierce-Polk-Rusk-St. Croix.

&&

SHORT TERM...Borghoff
LONG TERM...BPH
AVIATION...JRB

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 31, 1:52 PM CST, 10 hours 8 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
252 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023

MNZ047>049-051>070-073>078-082>085-091-092-WIZ014>016-023>028-
011945-
Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-
Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-
Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-
Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Polk-Barron-Rusk-St. Croix-Pierce-
Dunn-Pepin-Eau Claire-
252 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and
southern Minnesota, and west central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

A Blizzard Warning is in effect tonight for several hours of heavy
snow and strong winds, leading to whiteout conditions. Please
refer to the Winter Weather Message for more information.

There is a chance of thunderstorms through early evening. Some
storms could contain hail.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

A large storm system is likely to impact the Upper Midwest
Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing a mixture of precipitation types
to the area.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters and snowfall observers are encouraged to report snowfall
amounts to the National Weather Service.

MNZ041>045-050-093-011945-
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Benton-Freeborn-
252 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect tonight for a period of heavy
snow and strong winds. Please refer to the Winter Weather Message
for more information.

There is a chance of thunderstorms through early evening. Some
storms could contain hail.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

A large storm system is likely to impact the Upper Midwest
Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing a mixture of precipitation types
to the area.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters and snowfall observers are encouraged to report snowfall
amounts to the National Weather Service.

Borghoff

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

35 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Douglas

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Douglas forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.934, -95.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 2200 CST on March 31. Light snow and strong winds lasted into the early morning hours of April 01 before letting up. A Co-op observer measured total accumulation of 8.1 inches.

Winter Storm, Dakota

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Dakota forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.672, -93.065 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 8.5 inches near Rosemount and 8.5 inches near Hastings. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm. Emergency management reported that numerous trees were downed due to heavy snow on Water St. in Downtown St. Paul. The road remained impassible for three days before being cleared.

Winter Storm, Stevens

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Stevens forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.586, -96.000 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Swift

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Swift forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.283, -95.681 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 2200 CST on March 31. Light snow and strong winds lasted into the early morning hours of April 01 before letting up. There were no snowfall reports directly in the county, but surrounding counties had over 6 inches of snow in less than 12 hours.

Winter Storm, Lac Qui Parle

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Lac Qui Parle forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.996, -96.173 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 2200 CST on March 31. Light snow and strong winds lasted into the early morning hours of April 01 before letting up. There were no snowfall reports directly in the county, but surrounding counties had over 6 inches of snow in less than 12 hours.

Winter Storm, Pope

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Pope forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.586, -95.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 2200 CST on March 31. Light snow and strong winds lasted into the early morning hours of April 01 before letting up. There were no snowfall reports directly in the county, but surrounding counties had over 6 inches of snow in less than 12 hours.

Winter Storm, Chippewa

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Chippewa forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.022, -95.567 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Yellow Medicine

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Yellow Medicine forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.716, -95.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 4.7 inches total just across the eastern county line in Belview MN. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Renville

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Renville forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.727, -94.947 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 4.5 inches near Danube MN. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Brown

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 5:00 AM CST
Where: Brown forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.242, -94.727 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions.Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 3.7 inches in New Ulm MN. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Kandiyohi

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Kandiyohi forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.152, -95.005 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 5.5 inches near Norway Lake, and 8.5 inches in the northeast part of the county near Regal. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Stearns

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Stearns forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.552, -94.613 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 11.0 inches near Belgrade, and 8.4 inches near Luxemburg. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Benton

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Benton forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.699, -93.999 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 6.0 inches near Sauk Rapids. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Mille Lacs

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Mille Lacs forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.938, -93.630 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 8.0 inches just to the east of the county line near Princeton. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Isanti

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Isanti forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.562, -93.295 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 8.0 inches near Princeton. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Chisago

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Chisago forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.503, -92.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 11.3 inches near Chisago City. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Anoka

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Anoka forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.273, -93.246 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 11.1 inches near Coon Rapids. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Washington

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Washington forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.039, -92.884 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. Co-op observers measured 13.0 inches and 11.3 inches near Woodbury. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions, power outages, and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Ramsey

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Ramsey forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.017, -93.100 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. Co-op observers measured anywhere from 8 to 12 inches across the county. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions, power outages, and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Hennepin

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Hennepin forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.005, -93.477 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. Co-op observers measured anywhere from 8 to 10 inches across the county. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions, power outages, and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Carver

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Carver forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.821, -93.803 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. Co-op observers measured anywhere from 8 to 10 inches across the county. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Meeker

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Meeker forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.123, -94.527 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 9.0 inches near Eden Valley, and 6.3 inches near Dassel. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Wright

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Wright forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.174, -93.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 8.6 inches near Rockford. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, McLeod

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: McLeod forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.824, -94.272 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 8.0 inches near Hutchinson, and 7.3 inches near Silver Lake. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Blue Earth

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Blue Earth forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.035, -94.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 3.6 inches near Mankato. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Sherburne

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Sherburne forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.444, -93.775 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 5.0 inches near Zimmerman, and 8.0 inches were measured just south of the county line near Elk River. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Nicollet

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Nicollet forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.350, -94.247 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 3.0 inches near Mankato. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Le Sueur

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Le Sueur forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.371, -93.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 6.0 inches near Le Sueur. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Waseca

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Waseca forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.022, -93.587 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 6.0 inches near Waseca. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Steele

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Steele forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.022, -93.226 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 4.6 inches near Ellendale, and 4.0 inches near Owatonna. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Rice

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Rice forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.354, -93.297 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 5.8 inches near Faribault, and 7.0 inches near Northfield. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Scott

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Scott forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.649, -93.536 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 8.0 inches near Elko New Market, and 8.5 inches near Prior Lake. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Goodhue

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Goodhue forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.410, -92.723 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0300 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 8.1 inches near Welch. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Redwood

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 3:00 AM CST
Where: Redwood forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.404, -95.254 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 4.7 inches in Belview MN. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

Winter Storm, Sibley

When: April 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST
Where: Sibley forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.580, -94.232 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

This is a continuation of the winter storm that began on March 31. A wintry mix with a couple hours of very heavy snow and strong northwest winds produced hazardous driving conditions. Based on surrounding reports, radar, ASOS observations, and MNDOT road conditions, this event verified at 0100 CST on April 01, before the snow ended during the early morning hours of April 01. A Co-op observer measured 6.0 inches just east of the county line near Le Sueur. In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds near 35 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Minnesota in 2023 Every state in 2023 This day in weather history Warnings in Minnesota, April 2023

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: 1089902, 1090267, 1090268, 1090269, 1090270, 1090271, 1090272, 1090273, 1090274, 1090275, 1090276, 1090277, 1090278, 1090279, 1090280, 1090281, 1090282, 1090283, 1090284, 1090285, 1090286, 1090287, 1090288, 1090289, 1090290, 1090291, 1090292, 1090293, 1090294, 1090295, 1090297, 1090298, 1090299, 1090300, 1090301.