Blizzard and Winter Storm in Minnesota, December 28 to 29, 2025

Name: Blizzard and Winter Storm in Minnesota, December 28 to 29, 2025
Start: 2025-12-28T04:00
End: 2025-12-29T05:00
Location: Minnesota

December 28 to 29, 2025 · NWS MPX · 42 events in 42 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 42 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

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Wind
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Fire, smoke and dust
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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 1
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 42

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 strong winter system pivoted over Minnesota and Wisconsin on December 28th, allowing widespread snow to last nearly 24 hours. Surface temperatures started near or slightly above freezing on the morning of the 28th, resulting in a few hours of rain before a rapid cool down occurred and rain transitioned to all snow. As this transition happened, some areas experienced a flash freeze and winds increased out of the northwest, gusting to around 35 to 50 mph. The combination of strong winds and heavy snow dropped visibilities as low as 1/4 mile and resulted in very difficult travel, especially across portions of western and southern Minnesota where winds were strongest.

Although the snow ended at night on the 28th, reduced visibilities and travel impacts lingered into the morning of the 29th due to blowing snow. Most areas reported at least 3 to 5 inches of snowfall, with the highest amounts around 6 to 9 inches in south-central Minnesota. Governor Walz deployed the National Guard to assist with rescue operations for stranded motorists in southern Minnesota.

The top snowfall reports were:|9.0 inches in Mankato, MN (Blue Earth).|8.3 inches in Lake Crystal, MN (Blue Earth).|8.0 inches 2 miles WNW of Danube, MN (Renville).|8.0 inches 3 miles WNW of Madison Lake, MN (Blue Earth).|7.5 inches in Burnsville, MN (Dakota).|7.5 inches 6 miles NNW of Le Center, MN (Le Sueur).|7.2 inches 5 miles SE of Forest Lake, MN (Washington).

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 Dec 28, 3:16 AM CST, 44 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Major Winter Storm to produce several inches of accumulating snow, strong northwest winds, and dangerous travel conditions today into early Monday.
Blizzard Warnings and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across Minnesota & Wisconsin. Non-essential travel is not advised.
Colder air returns midweek along with another chance or two of accumulating snow.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 28, 3:16 AM CST, 44 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
316 AM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Major Winter Storm to produce several inches of accumulating snow,
  strong northwest winds, and dangerous travel conditions today into
  early Monday.

- Blizzard Warnings and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across
  Minnesota & Wisconsin. Non-essential travel is not advised.

- Colder air returns midweek along with another chance or two of
  accumulating snow.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 315 AM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

**Dangerous, potentially life-threatening travel conditions
 will develop today and persist into early Monday morning**

MAJOR WINTER STORM TODAY/TONIGHT...Some may call it the calm before
the storm early this morning across MN and WI, as the very near term
forecast concern continues to be the persistence of dense fog amid
otherwise quiet conditions. A look to the west across the Great
Plains reveals the pieces that are coming together for an impactful
day of winter weather. A potent upper trough located over the
northern Great Plains will dig southeast and phase with a southern
stream wave that is advancing east across the central Plains. Rapid
surface cyclogenesis will occur in response to the phasing of the
upper level features, resulting in a strengthening surface low
during the course of it's trajectory from eastern KS (~1000mb)
northeast into northern MI (~980mb) over the next 24-hours. This
storm track keep our forecast area positioned to the northwest of
the surface low which conceptually is favored for a notable round of
snowfall. Confidence is high that much of eastern MN and western WI
will observe snowfall amounts between 6-10", with locally higher
amounts possible. Snowfall amounts will gradually lower farther west
across MN. In addition to the snowfall, strong northwest winds will
strengthen significantly in response to the deepening low. Peak wind
gusts are likely to reach speeds upwards of 45-55 mph across the
forecast area. The combination of several inches of accumulating
snow, strong northwesterly winds, and falling temperatures will
combine to create a dangerous travel scenario across the region
today. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect across east central MN
(including most of the TC Metro) and western WI where the heaviest
snowfall and periodic white-out conditions are expected. A Blizzard
Warning is in effect across much of western, central and southern
MN, where snowfall amounts will generally be lower than what falls
across the Warning counties, but wind speeds will be the most
intense.

SNOW TIMING...A surface cold front ahead of the digging northern
steam trough will slide from west to east across the region this
morning. Precipitation is forecast to develop along and behind the
front. Forecast soundings indicate that period of drizzle (or
freezing drizzle) may develop prior to the arrival of stronger cold
advection following the front which will promote a changeover to
snow. The initial driver of snow will be a post frontal band of
snowfall that is currently developing across the Dakotas/NE.
Latest PoPs capture the band of snowfall moving into western MN
by 6 AM (when the initial Blizzard Warning goes into effect) and
sliding east through the morning. Look for snow to begin along
the I-35 corridor by mid-to-late morning (10-11AM) and reach the
eastern portions of our forecast area across western WI by
early afternoon. Conditions will rapidly deteriorate with the
frontal passage and onset of snow, as the heaviest snowfall
rates (up to 1"/hr) will be associated within this band. Light
to moderate snow will then continue for much of the day. Our
current feeling is that synoptic snow should generally continue
for much of the period across eastern MN/western WI. The "second
phase" of this storm will be driven by an expansive deformation
band of snow that is progged to overspread much of the forecast
area this evening through early Monday. Supported by strong
cold advection, this will likely be the period of a more
powder-y snow character and will persist through the overnight
before departing to the southeast by daybreak Monday.

DEEPER DIVE INTO THE SNOW FORECAST...The snowfall forecast passed
along by the dayshift generally remains on track, though we have
continued the trend of seeing an increase in snowfall amounts.
Ensembles continue to support a QPF range of ~0.5-0.8" across
eastern MN/western WI, which is a range that is also supported by
multiple deterministic solutions. There are a few outliers,
particularly in the short term CAMs, which are likely the driver
behind the 00z HREF's LPMM running on the hot side of the envelope
with 1"+ of event QPF across eastern MN/WI. While it's not out of
the question, it should be noted that some of the wetter short term
solutions are not handling the robust convection ahead of the
southern stream wave across MO & IL very well -- this casts some
uncertainty in whether or not some of the moisture will be sapped on
the warm side of the developing cyclone. Additionally, there are a
few solutions that are a bit more bullish with the eastward
progression of the system's dry slot following the initial band of
snowfall, so that feature could cut down QFP's a bit (most likely
across SW portions of the forecast area). Admittedly, the evolution
of the dry slot is a low confidence portion of this forecast and
would tend to favor solutions that keep a more notable punch of dry
air south of the MN/IA border. With a few areas of uncertainty out
of the way, it would be wrong to not mention all that is going right
for this snow forecast! Forecast soundings are very impressive,
suggesting that the DGZ will span the lowest ~12k feet of the column
as cold advection increases this afternoon. Beyond the initial 2-3hr
punch of elevated snowfall rates (0.75-1"/hr), modest but persistent
omega forcing should support a long duration period of ~0.5+/hr
rates through the early morning hours on Monday. Still think that
event SLR's end up ~13:-15:1, initially due to a wetter snow
character during the onset of snow and potential fracturing of
dendrites given the strong wind fields in the lower levels of the
DGZ (RAP depicts ~40kt winds in the 2-5k foot layer across eastern
MN/western WI). From a conceptual view, should have a near normal
ratio during the first phase of the event during the daylight hours
and then would anticipate that ratios run higher than climatology
this evening/tonight as strong cold advection continues. Putting all
of the pieces together, our snowfall forecast remains largely on
track with a widespread 6-10" likely across central and eastern MN
and western WI. Locally higher amounts are likely, especially within
a localized band of heavier snow that will develop in response to
the low pivoting to our southeast. One of the notable trends over
the past few model cycles has been the westward expansion of the QPF
footprint, which pushes the 6"+ snowfall gradient farther west.
Unfortunately, this will only enhance the dangerous travel
scenario that is set to unfold for the counties within the
Blizzard Warning across western MN. New snowfall accumulations
between 2-4" across expected across far western MN and then
increasing to heftier amounts (6"+) east of a line from
Alexandria to Redwood Falls.

STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS...The other major component to the forecast
are the strong northwesterly winds which are forecast to
develop in response to the rapidly deepening surface cyclone.
The strongest winds are forecast across southwestern MN and have
triggered the Blizzard Warning. Sustained winds between 30-35
mph and gusts upwards of 50-55 mph are forecast to occur across
this portion of the forecast area. Visibility reductions and
significant blowing and drifting of snow will occur both during
the period of accumulating snow and likely lingering into Monday
morning after the last flakes fall. Northwest winds will be
slightly less intense across the Winter Storm Warning counties,
but will still sustain between 20-25 mph and gust upwards of 45
mph. Again, patchy blowing snow will likely continue into Monday
morning.

COLDER THIS WEEK WITH MORE SNOW?...The strong northwesterly winds
will usher in much colder air tonight as locations across west
central MN are forecast to fall below zero. The coldest wind chills
will range from around -10 in the Twin Cities to -25 across western
MN. Snow should be wrapping up by 6 AM across the southeastern
portions of the forecast area, however windy conditions combined
with the new snowfall will make for a slow and slick morning
commute. Tomorrow will be cold, with afternoon highs only set to
recover into the single digits/low teens for most locations. Winds
will remain breezy throughout the day, but should diminish tomorrow
evening as surface high pressure builds in. Our brief lull in active
weather will give way to an active northwest flow pattern that aims
to send one, or possibly two clippers our way from southern Canada.
Leaning on the AIFS, which has had success in these regimes, it
looks like the initial clipper will slide through the eastern third
of the forecast area early Tuesday and may result in minor snow
accumulations. A secondary clipper is progged to a take a more
southerly track across the heart of the forecast area on Wednesday.
Should trends continue, we could be looking at a chance at a couple
inches of snow from this wave. NBM's latest output now features 30-
50 percent PoPs with both of the clippers. Colder air returns mid to
late week following the second clipper. This will signal the return
of sub-zero lows for the start of the New Year. Temperatures are
forecast to modify somewhat into the upper teens/lower 20s next
weekend.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z MONDAY/...
Issued at 1131 PM CST Sat Dec 27 2025

While there are some pockets of visibilities improving late this
evening, widespread IFR/LIFR conditions remain likely to stick
around for the period. By the time any improvement to the dense
fog can begin, we will have the onset of precipitation around
mid to late morning. Areas further north should see all snow,
while some southern terminals will have more of a wintry mix to
start before transitioning to all snow by the afternoon. A brief
period of freezing drizzle is possible across western MN
(mainly impacting RWF and MKT), though confidence in areal extent
is too low to include in the TAFs. Snowfall rates could
approach 1/2" per hour for eastern Minnesota into western
Wisconsin during the late afternoon and evening. Winds shift out
of the northwest and increase quickly behind the front, gusting
to 40-45 kts out west and 35-40 kts across eastern MN and
western WI. Winds will be strongest overnight tomorrow with
gradual improvement through the morning. Snow will taper off
west to east Monday morning, though visibilities may be impacted
by blowing snow before gusts weaken.

KMSP...Dense fog has settled into the core of the metro, and
will likely hover around 1/2 to 1SM through this morning. A
mixture of rain/snow transitioning to snow is still expected to
start sometime around 12-15z, with a window for the heaviest
snowfall around 18-22z. Light to moderate snow is expected to
continue through Sunday night along with some impacts from
blowing snow as gusts ramp up. Light snow may linger Monday
morning as winds continue to gust to around 30-35 kts out of the
northwest.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
MON...IFR/-SN early, bcmg MVFR. Wind NW 15-20G35kts.
TUE...VFR, chc MVFR/-SN. Wind SW to NW 5-10kts.
WED...MVFR, chc IFR/-SN. Wind NW 10-15kts.

&&

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Dense Fog Advisory until 6 AM CST early this morning for Anoka-
     Benton-Blue Earth-Brown-Carver-Chippewa-Chisago-Dakota-
     Douglas-Faribault-Freeborn-Goodhue-Hennepin-Isanti-
     Kanabec-Kandiyohi-Lac Qui Parle-Le Sueur-Martin-McLeod-
     Meeker-Mille Lacs-Morrison-Nicollet-Pope-Ramsey-Redwood-
     Renville-Rice-Scott-Sherburne-Sibley-Stearns-Steele-
     Stevens-Swift-Todd-Waseca-Washington-Watonwan-Wright-
     Yellow Medicine.
     Blizzard Warning from 9 AM this morning to 6 AM CST Monday for
     Douglas-Kandiyohi-McLeod-Meeker-Pope-Renville-Stearns-
     Todd-Wright.
     Winter Storm Warning from 9 AM this morning to 6 AM CST Monday
     for Benton-Kanabec-Mille Lacs-Morrison-Sherburne.
     Blizzard Warning until 6 AM CST Monday for Chippewa-Lac Qui
     Parle-Redwood-Stevens-Swift-Yellow Medicine.
     Winter Storm Warning from noon today to 9 AM CST Monday for
     Anoka-Chisago-Dakota-Goodhue-Hennepin-Isanti-Ramsey-
     Washington.
     Blizzard Warning from 9 AM this morning to 9 AM CST Monday for
     Blue Earth-Brown-Carver-Faribault-Freeborn-Le Sueur-
     Martin-Nicollet-Rice-Scott-Sibley-Steele-Waseca-Watonwan.
WI...Dense Fog Advisory until 6 AM CST early this morning for
     Barron-Chippewa-Dunn-Eau Claire-Pepin-Pierce-Polk-Rusk-
     St. Croix.
     Winter Storm Warning from noon today to 9 AM CST Monday for
     Barron-Chippewa-Dunn-Eau Claire-Pepin-Pierce-Polk-Rusk-
     St. Croix.

&&

DISCUSSION...Strus
AVIATION...BED

Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 27, 4:07 PM CST, 11 hours 53 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
407 PM CST Sat Dec 27 2025

MNZ043>045-050>053-060>063-070-078-WIZ014>016-023>028-282215-
Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-
Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Dakota-Goodhue-Polk-Barron-Rusk-
St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
407 PM CST Sat Dec 27 2025

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Widespread dense fog is expected. A Dense Fog Advisory is in
effect.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

A potent winter storm will bring accumulating snow and strong
winds Sunday and Sunday night. Please refer to the Winter Storm
Warning for additional information.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

MNZ041-042-048-049-057>059-065>069-075>077-083>085-092-093-282215-
Douglas-Todd-Pope-Stearns-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Renville-McLeod-
Sibley-Carver-Scott-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Blue Earth-Waseca-
Steele-Faribault-Freeborn-
407 PM CST Sat Dec 27 2025

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Widespread dense fog is expected. A Dense Fog Advisory is in
effect.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

A potent winter storm will bring accumulating snow and strong
winds leading to blizzard conditions Sunday afternoon and Sunday
night. Please refer to the Blizzard Warning for additional
information.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

MNZ047-054>056-064-073-074-082-091-282215-
Stevens-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Yellow Medicine-Redwood-
Brown-Watonwan-Martin-
407 PM CST Sat Dec 27 2025

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Widespread dense fog is expected. A Dense Fog Advisory is in
effect.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

A potent winter storm will bring accumulating light snow, strong
winds, and possible blizzard conditions Sunday morning through
Sunday night. Please refer to the Winter Storm Watch for
additional information.

.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

20 blizzard, 20 winter storm, 2 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.

Blizzard, Yellow Medicine

When: December 28, 4:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Yellow Medicine forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 44.716, -95.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in prolonged blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at KGDB in Granite Falls dropped to 1/4 mile for several hours, and winds gusted around 35 to 40 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions and MNDoT road cameras showed near zero visibility throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 6 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Lac Qui Parle

When: December 28, 4:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Lac Qui Parle forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 44.996, -96.173 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours at the RWIS site near Dawson, and winds gusted around 35 to 40 mph at KGDB in Granite Falls while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 5 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Redwood

When: December 28, 4:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Redwood forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 44.404, -95.254 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours at the RWIS site near Milroy, and winds gusted around 40 to 50 mph at KRWF in Redwood Falls while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 6 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Chippewa

When: December 28, 5:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Chippewa forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 45.022, -95.567 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours at the RWIS site near Clara City, and winds gusted around 35 to 40 mph at KMVE in Montevideo while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 6 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Kandiyohi

When: December 28, 5:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Kandiyohi forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 45.152, -95.005 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy falling snow and strong winds resulted in prolonged blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at KBDH in Willmar dropped to 1/4 mile or less for over 12 hours straight, and winds gusted around 35 to 45 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 5 to 8 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Swift

When: December 28, 5:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Swift forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 45.283, -95.681 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy falling snow and strong winds resulted in prolonged blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours at the RWIS site near Murdock, and winds gusted around 35 to 45 mph at KBBB in Benson while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 6 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Stevens

When: December 28, 5:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Stevens forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 45.586, -96.000 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy falling snow and strong winds resulted in prolonged blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at KMOX in Morris dropped to 1/4 mile or below for over 18 hours straight, and winds gusted around 45 to 55 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. Snowfall totals ranged from 5 to 8 inches throughout the county.

Winter Storm, Pope

When: December 28, 5:00 AM CST to December 29, 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)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 7 inches. Surface visibilities reported at KGHW in Glenwood dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 30 to 35 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Winter Storm, Douglas

When: December 28, 6:00 AM CST to December 29, 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)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with the highest report at 6.5 inches 6 miles north of Farwell. Surface visibilities reported at KAXN in Alexandria dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 30 to 35 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Blizzard, Renville

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Renville forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 44.727, -94.947 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at KOVL in Olivia dropped to 1/4 mile or below for several hours, and winds gusted around 35 to 40 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 8 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Brown

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Brown forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 44.242, -94.727 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours at the RWIS site near Springfield, and winds gusted around 35 to 45 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 7 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Watonwan

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Watonwan forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 43.978, -94.614 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at KJYG in St James dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted around 40 to 50 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 7 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Martin

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Martin forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 43.674, -94.551 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at KFRM in Fairmont dropped to 1/4 mile or below for several hours, and winds gusted around 40 to 50 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 6 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Faribault

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Faribault forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 43.674, -93.948 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours at the RWIS site near Blue Earth, and winds gusted over 35 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 6 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Nicollet

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Nicollet forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 44.350, -94.247 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at nearby KULM in dropped to 1/4 mile or below for several hours, and winds gusted around 35 to 45 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 9 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Blue Earth

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Blue Earth forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 44.035, -94.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours at the RWIS site near Mapleton, and winds gusted around 35 to 45 mph at KMKT in Mankato while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 9 inches throughout the county.

Winter Storm, Meeker

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 2:00 AM CST
Where: Meeker forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.123, -94.527 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 5 to 7 inches. Surface visibilities reported at KLJF in Litchfield dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel and brief whiteout conditions, especially just west and south of the county.

Winter Storm, Stearns

When: December 28, 7:00 AM CST to December 29, 2:00 AM CST
Where: Stearns forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.552, -94.613 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with the highest totals in the southern portion of the county. The highest report was 6.5 inches near Fairhaven. Surface visibilities reported at KD39 in Sauk Center and KPEX in Paynesville dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Blizzard, Steele

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Steele forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 44.022, -93.226 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds and heavy snow resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county, with the worst conditions during the evening of the 28th. MNDoT road and plow cameras showed several hours of near zero visibility in the southern portion of the county, and winds gusted around 35 mph at KOWA in Owatonna during and after the snow fell. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions and a portion of I35 south of Owatonna was closed during the morning of the 29th. Snowfall totals ranged from 5 to 8 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Waseca

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Waseca forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 44.022, -93.587 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds and heavy snow resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county, with the worst conditions during the evening of the 28th. Surface visibilities reported at KACQ in Waseca dropped to 1/4 mile or below for several hours, and winds gusted around 35 to 40 mph while snow fell on the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 5 to 8 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Le Sueur

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Le Sueur forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 44.371, -93.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at nearby KMKT in Mankato and the RWIS site in St Peter dropped to 1/4 mile or below for several hours, and winds gusted around 35 to 45 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 9 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, Sibley

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Sibley forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 44.580, -94.232 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile or less for several hours at the RWIS site near Winthrop, and winds gusted around 35 at nearby KULM in New Ulm while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 8 inches throughout the county.

Blizzard, McLeod

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 1:00 AM CST
Where: McLeod forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 44.824, -94.272 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. Surface visibilities reported at KGYL in Glencoe dropped to 1/4 mile or below for several hours, and winds gusted to around 35 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions. Snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 8 inches throughout the county.

Winter Storm, Dakota

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Dakota forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.672, -93.065 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 4 to 8, and the highest report was 7.5 inches in Burnsville. Surface visibilities reported at KLVN in Lakeville dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Winter Storm, Hennepin

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Hennepin forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.005, -93.477 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 4 to 7, and the highest report was 6.4 inches near Greenfield. Surface visibilities reported at KMSP dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 30 to 40 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Winter Weather, Morrison

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where: Morrison forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 46.013, -94.268 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall reports ranged from 2 to 4 inches, and the highest report was 4.0 inches in Little Falls. Winds became breezy at times, dropping surface visibilities at KLXL to 1 mile or less at times while snow was falling.

Winter Weather, Todd

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where: Todd forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 46.071, -94.898 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall reports ranged from 2 to 4 inches, and the highest report was 3.7 inches in Long Prairie. Winds became breezy at times, dropping surface visibilities at K14Y to 1 mile or less at times while snow was falling.

Winter Storm, Wright

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 2:00 AM CST
Where: Wright forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.174, -93.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 5 to 7 inches, and the highest report was 6.5 inches in Otsego. Surface visibilities reported at KMGG in Maple Lake dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 30 to 35 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Blizzard, Freeborn

When: December 28, 8:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Freeborn forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 43.674, -93.349 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions throughout the county. MNDoT road and plow cameras showed several hours of near zero visibility throughout the county, and winds gusted around 30 to 35 mph at KAEL in Albert Lea. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel due to very difficult travel conditions, and a portion of I35 south of Owatonna through Freeborn County was closed during the morning of the 29th. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 6 inches throughout the county.

Governor Walz deployed the National Guard to Freeborn County to assist with rescue operations for stranded motorists.

Winter Storm, Ramsey

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Ramsey forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.017, -93.100 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 4 to 7, and the highest report was 7.0 inches near Roseville. Surface visibilities reported at K21D dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 30 to 35 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Winter Storm, Chisago

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Chisago forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.503, -92.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 4 to 6, and the highest report was 6.0 inches near Chisago City. Surface visibilities reported at KROS dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph.

Winter Storm, Anoka

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Anoka forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.273, -93.246 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 6, with the highest totals in the southern portion of the county. Surface visibilities reported at KANE dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph.

Winter Storm, Washington

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Washington forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.039, -92.884 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 7, with the highest report of 7.2 inches near Forest Lake. Surface visibilities reported at K21D dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 30 to 35 mph.

Winter Storm, Isanti

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Isanti forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.562, -93.295 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 5 to 7, and the highest report was 6.8 inches near Cambridge. Surface visibilities reported at KCBG dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph.

Winter Storm, Sherburne

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Sherburne forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.444, -93.775 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 4 to 6, and the highest report was 5.5 inches near Orrock. Surface visibilities reported at KSTP dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph.

Winter Storm, Mille Lacs

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Mille Lacs forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.938, -93.630 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 3 to 6, and the highest totals in the southern portion of the county. Surface visibilities reported at KPNM dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph.

Winter Storm, Benton

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 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)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 3 to 6, and the highest reports in the southern portion of the county. Surface visibilities reported at nearby KSTC dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph.

Winter Storm, Kanabec

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Kanabec forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 45.945, -93.293 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 3 to 6 inches, with the highest totals in the southern portion of the county. Surface visibilities reported at KJMR dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph.

Winter Storm, Rice

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Rice forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.354, -93.297 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 4 to 6, and the highest report was 6.0 inches near Faribault. Surface visibilities reported at KFBL in Faribault dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Winter Storm, Scott

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Scott forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.649, -93.536 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 4 to 7, and the highest report was 7.0 inches in Savage. Surface visibilities reported at nearby KFCM dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 30 to 35 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Winter Storm, Carver

When: December 28, 9:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Carver forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 44.821, -93.803 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall totals ranged from 4 to 7 inches, and the highest report was 6.1 inches in Victoria. Surface visibilities reported at nearby KGYL in Glencoe and KFCM in Eden Prairie dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 30 to 35 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

Winter Storm, Goodhue

When: December 28, 10:00 AM CST to December 29, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Goodhue forecast zone
Injuries: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 44.410, -92.723 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The combination of falling snow and breezy winds resulted in winter storm conditions throughout the county. Snowfall reports ranged from 4 to 6, and the highest report was 6.0 inches in Red Wing. Surface visibilities reported at KSYN in Stanton dropped to 1 mile or less for several hours, and winds gusted to around 25 to 30 mph while snow was falling throughout much of the 28th.

There were difficult travel conditions which resulted in a semi-truck rollover near the intersection of Highway 52 and County Rd 11 in Pine Island, MN. The driver was injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

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.
Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Minnesota in 2025 Every state in 2025 This day in weather history Warnings in Minnesota, December 2025

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: 1306277, 1306279, 1306281, 1306286, 1306866, 1306867, 1306879, 1307197, 1307201, 1306283, 1306291, 1306295, 1306296, 1306299, 1306300, 1306849, 1307189, 1307194, 1306807, 1306842, 1306851, 1306852, 1306853, 1306903, 1306913, 1307019, 1307020, 1307179, 1307211, 1306916, 1306918, 1306920, 1306923, 1307011, 1307014, 1307015, 1307017, 1307018, 1307158, 1307159, and more.