Minnesota, 2023Winter Storm in Minnesota, March 31, 2023
March 31, 2023 · NWS MPX · 35 events in 35 counties and zones
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 (see corresponding entry for April). Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour combined with northwest winds of 30 to near 40 mph hour.
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
- 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.
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 (see corresponding entry for April). 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, stating 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 notable 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, 2:27 PM CST, 1 hour 33 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Mar 31, 2:27 PM CST, 1 hour 33 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
327 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 18Z TAFS through 18Z Saturday afternoon)
Issued at 1219 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
Light precipitation will continue on and off today with a few
thunderstorms developing late this afternoon. Widespread precip will
develop later this afternoon and turn to snow from northwest to
southeast this evening. Probabilities for snow rates greater than 1
inch per hour across most of the area from RWF to MSP and to WI is
greater than 70% with sizable probabilities for 2 inch/hr as well.
This heavy snow will reduce visibilities to 1/4 mile or less at these
TAF sites for much of the night. North winds increasing with gusts
of 35 to 40 kts will make for widespread blowing snow as well.
Conditions should improve quickly late tonight and early Saturday
morning as drier air arrives and winds subside.
KMSP...A few showers will remain nearby through the afternoon, with
steadier precip arriving by 01Z. As the main round of precip
develops, could see a few storms - mostly between 23-01Z. Precip will
transition to heavy snow about 02Z, although that may shift by 30
minutes either way. Snow will begin tapering off after 08Z.
/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 Weather Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for Benton-
Chippewa-Douglas-Kanabec-Lac Qui Parle-Mille Lacs-Morrison-
Pope-Stearns-Stevens-Swift-Todd-Yellow Medicine.
Winter Storm Warning from 7 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday
for Benton-Douglas-Kanabec-Mille Lacs-Morrison-Todd.
Blizzard Warning from 7 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday for
Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Lac Qui Parle-Meeker-Pope-Redwood-Renville-
Stearns-Stevens-Swift-Yellow Medicine.
Blizzard Warning from 9 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday for
Anoka-Brown-Carver-Chisago-Dakota-Hennepin-Isanti-Le Sueur-
McLeod-Nicollet-Ramsey-Scott-Sherburne-Sibley-Washington-
Watonwan-Wright.
Blizzard Warning from 11 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday for
Blue Earth-Faribault-Goodhue-Martin-Rice-Steele-Waseca.
Winter Storm Warning from 11 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday
for Freeborn.
WI...Blizzard Warning from 9 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday for
Barron-Polk-St. Croix.
Blizzard Warning from 11 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday for
Chippewa-Dunn-Eau Claire-Pepin-Pierce-Rusk.
&&
SHORT TERM...Borghoff
LONG TERM...BPH
AVIATION...BorghoffHazardous weather outlook, Mar 31, 1:52 PM CST, 2 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
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Mar 31, 2:35 PM CST, 1 hour 25 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
335 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
MNZ069-312100-
Scott MN-
335 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Scott
County through 400 PM CDT...
At 335 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Prior Lake, or 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis, moving northeast at
25 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Prior Lake around 345 PM CDT.
Burnsville, Shakopee and Savage around 355 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4464 9359 4480 9354 4480 9340 4478 9338
4479 9337 4479 9333 4476 9332 4463 9349
TIME...MOT...LOC 2035Z 207DEG 21KT 4471 9349
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DyeLocal storm report, Mar 31, 2:56 PM CST, 1 hour 4 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
356 PM CDT FRI MAR 31 2023
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0325 PM HAIL KIMBALL 45.31N 94.30W
03/31/2023 M0.75 INCH STEARNS MN CO-OP OBSERVER
&&
BPHSpecial weather statement, Mar 31, 2:57 PM CST, 1 hour 3 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
357 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
MNZ060-312115-
Hennepin MN-
357 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of south central
Hennepin County through 415 PM CDT...
At 356 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Eden Prairie, or 13 miles southwest of Minneapolis, moving north at
20 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Trained weather spotters reported half in hail in Shakopee.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Eden Prairie around 410 PM CDT.
Minnetonka, Edina and Hopkins around 415 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4481 9343 4481 9352 4492 9346 4491 9332
4479 9338
TIME...MOT...LOC 2056Z 200DEG 18KT 4482 9345
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DyeSpecial weather statement, Mar 31, 3:11 PM CST, 49 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
411 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
MNZ084-092-093-312130-
Waseca MN-Freeborn MN-Faribault MN-
411 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern
Faribault, northwestern Freeborn and southeastern Waseca Counties
through 430 PM CDT...
At 411 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Waldorf, or 19 miles northwest of Albert Lea, moving northeast at 20
mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northeastern
Faribault, northwestern Freeborn and southeastern Waseca Counties,
including the following locations... Matawan and Otisco.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4379 9359 4379 9376 4398 9366 4394 9347
TIME...MOT...LOC 2111Z 210DEG 15KT 4387 9363
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DyeLocal storm report, Mar 31, 3:20 PM CST, 40 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN MN
420 PM CDT FRI MAR 31 2023
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0418 PM HAIL EDEN PRAIRIE 44.85N 93.44W
03/31/2023 M0.88 INCH HENNEPIN MN PUBLIC
NICKEL SIZE HAIL REPORTED IN EDEN PRAIRIE,
MN. PHOTO MEASURED PROVIDED VIA SOCIAL
MEDIA.
&&
RMDSpecial weather statement, Mar 31, 3:21 PM CST, 39 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
421 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
MNZ060-312145-
Hennepin MN-
421 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Hennepin
County through 445 PM CDT...
At 421 PM CDT, trained weather spotters reported a strong
thunderstorm over Minnetonka, or 9 miles southwest of Minneapolis,
moving north at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Penny size hail.
SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.
IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Hopkins around 430 PM CDT.
Wayzata around 435 PM CDT.
Minnetonka and St. Louis Park around 440 PM CDT.
Other locations in the path of this storm include Minneapolis,
Plymouth, Brooklyn Center and Golden Valley.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4485 9339 4485 9349 4507 9350 4505 9328
TIME...MOT...LOC 2121Z 191DEG 18KT 4490 9344
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
BPH
Winter Storm, Douglas
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Douglas forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.934, -95.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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 2200 CST. Snow continued to fall during the early morning hours of April 01. A CoCoRahs observer reported 8.1 inches in southern Douglas County.
Winter Storm, Stevens
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Stevens forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.586, -96.000 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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 2200 CST. Snow continued to fall during the early morning hours of April 01. A CoCoRahs observer reported 7.8 inches in central Stevents County.
Winter Storm, Swift
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM 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. 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 2200 CST. Snow continued to fall during the early morning hours of April 01. 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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Lac Qui Parle forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.996, -96.173 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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 2200 CST. Snow continued to fall during the early morning hours of April 01. 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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Pope forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.586, -95.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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 2200 CST. Snow continued to fall during the early morning hours of April 01. 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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Chippewa forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.022, -95.567 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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 3.1 inches total, but gusty winds near 40 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions and snow covered roads, which verified the winter storm.
Winter Storm, Yellow Medicine
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Yellow Medicine forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.716, -95.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Redwood
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Redwood forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.404, -95.254 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Brown
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Brown forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.242, -94.727 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Renville
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Renville forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.727, -94.947 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Kandiyohi
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Kandiyohi forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.152, -95.005 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Stearns forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.552, -94.613 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Benton forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.699, -93.999 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Mille Lacs forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.938, -93.630 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Isanti forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.562, -93.295 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Chisago forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.503, -92.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Anoka forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.273, -93.246 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Washington forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.039, -92.884 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Ramsey forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.017, -93.100 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Hennepin forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.005, -93.477 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Carver forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.821, -93.803 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Wright
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Wright forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.174, -93.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Meeker
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Meeker forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.123, -94.527 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, McLeod
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- McLeod forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.824, -94.272 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Sibley
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Sibley forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.580, -94.232 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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.
Winter Storm, Sherburne
- When
- March 31, 4:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Sherburne forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 45.444, -93.775 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Blue Earth
- When
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Blue Earth forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.035, -94.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Nicollet
- When
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Nicollet forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.350, -94.247 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Le Sueur forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.371, -93.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Waseca forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.022, -93.587 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Steele forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.022, -93.226 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Rice forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.354, -93.297 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Scott forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.649, -93.536 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Dakota
- When
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Dakota forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.672, -93.065 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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, Goodhue
- When
- March 31, 7:00 PM CST to 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Goodhue forecast zone
- Reported by
- CoCoRaHS
- Coordinates
- 44.410, -92.723 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
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
- 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.
- Tornadoes and Hail in Tennessee, March 31, 202314 deaths · 49 injured · $106 million · EF3 · 38 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Indiana, March 31, 20235 deaths · 11 injured · $40 million · EF3 · 44 events
- Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Arkansas, March 31, 20234 deaths · 26 injured · $150 million · EF3 · 10 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Arkansas, March 31, 20231 death · 54 injured · $90 million · EF3 · 8 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Illinois, March 31, 20233 deaths · 8 injured · EF3 · 80 events
- Tornadoes and Flooding in Illinois, March 31, 20231 death · 40 injured · EF2 · 89 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Iowa, March 31, 202311 injured · EF4 · 67 events
- Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Indiana, March 31, 20237 injured · $447,000 · EF3 · 67 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Iowa, March 31, 2023$2.1 million · EF2 · 64 events
- Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Mississippi, March 31, 2023$6.5 million · EF2 · 16 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Tennessee, March 31, 20232 injured · $2.0 million · EF2 · 11 events
- Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Ohio, March 31, 20237 injured · $3.4 million · EF1 · 7 events
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: 1089668, 1089669, 1089670, 1089671, 1089672, 1089673, 1089926, 1089927, 1089928, 1089929, 1089931, 1089932, 1089933, 1089934, 1089935, 1089937, 1089938, 1089939, 1089941, 1089942, 1089943, 1089944, 1089945, 1089946, 1089947, 1089951, 1089952, 1089953, 1089954, 1089955, 1089956, 1089957, 1089958, 1089959, 1089960.