Intensifying low pressure moved across North Dakota and northern Minnesota early on December 18th. A very strong cold front plowed southward behind the system and was accompanied by a minimal amount of snowfall over several hours during the later morning and afternoon hours.
Every event with a place to put it; 24 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS FSD wrote it up.
Intensifying low pressure moved across North Dakota and northern Minnesota early on December 18th. A very strong cold front plowed southward behind the system and was accompanied by a minimal amount of snowfall over several hours during the later morning and afternoon hours. While most snowfall was limited to a half inch to inch at most, increasing collocation of the snow and strong wind east of Interstate 29 resulted in areas of blizzard or near blizzard conditions across parts of southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa. Several injury accidents were reported across northwest Iowa with the Department of Transportation advising no travel for several hours in the afternoon. The high winds also produced some spotty power outages.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 18, 2:07 AM CST, 53 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
207 AM CST Thu Dec 18 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Northwest winds barrel through the area this morning with
gusts of 50 to possibly 70 mph. The strongest winds are most
likely near and west of the James River.
- While the existing snow pack is too wet to blow, some falling
snow will bring the potential for rapid drops in visibility
when combined with the very strong winds. These possible snow
squalls will be most likely from about 9 am to 1 pm and most
likely near and north of I-90.
- Falling temperatures into the teens and lower 20s this
morning will likely cause wet roads to flash freeze. This may
cause somewhat unpredictable icy driving with the rapid drop
in temperatures.
- Mild temperatures and mostly dry conditions are expected into
next weekend and the first portions of Christmas week.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 206 AM CST Thu Dec 18 2025
The latest water vapor shows a potent wave in western ND which will
dive southeast through and strengthen this morning, bringing a rapid
change in weather to the area. While strong winds of 50 to 70 mph
are expected, what is more difficult to determine will be the
impacts of any snow that falls within the core of the vort max aloft
from roughly mid morning into early afternoon. The latest models do
show some instability within the core of this vort max and when
coupled with the vertical column of temperatures rapidly falling
into the DGZ, bands of snow will be likely. With wind gusts of 50 to
70 mph, any snow that falls will result in rapid, short term
reductions in the visibility and could result in snow squalls for
the area. At this time the better chances for these rapid reductions
in visibility will be most likely near and north of I-90 from mid
morning through early afternoon.
Timing of this forcing from the vort max/elevated instability and
the potential for snow squalls will be from central SD towards the
James Valley from about 14-16z, from the James Valley towards I-29
from about 16z-18z and into southwest MN and parts of northwest IA
from 18z-21z.
Quick upper level ridging moves through tonight bringing a quick
decrease in winds, which will then turn more southerly later tonight
into Friday. This will bring a chance for precipitation but these
chances will be mainly north of the area. What this next wave brings
is more wind, albeit not nearly as strong as today. Southerly winds
will likely gust to 30-35 mph on Friday, then a front will move
through Friday night and bring the chance for 30-35 mph gusts Friday
night into Saturday. Precipitation is not expected with this front
either.
Saturday and Sunday will see broad upper level ridging build in
which should bring dry and seasonal temperatures. Westerly flow
aloft increases a bit by Monday which will bring another round of
very mild temperatures, likely widespread highs in the 40s and 50s.
Tuesday through Thursday may see a few ups and downs with
temperatures but overall little chance for precipitation and near to
above normal temperatures are expected. With diminishing snowpack,
temperatures may end up milder than forecast given some of the
expected 925-850 mb forecast temperatures.
&&
.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1134 PM CST Wed Dec 17 2025
VFR conditions are expected to prevail outside of light rain showers
that are currently making their way east across the region. Brief
reductions in ceiling and visibility to MVFR and IFR are
possible. Rain pushes east of the region around daybreak. Also
around daybreak light snow begins to move into the region from
central South Dakota. While snow will be light, strong winds
coupled with falling snow will likely result in reductions to
visibility at times. Light snow showers continue to move east
through most of today.
Winds have begin to turn to the northwest and increase as a
cold front begins to move through the region. Frequent gusts of
40-50 kts are expected with isolated gusts up to 55 kts in south
central South Dakota. Very strong winds begin to taper off
slowly in the afternoon today.
In addition, LLWS shear will be problematic through the first
portion of the period at all three TAF sites. Speed shear of 45-55
kts will be common across the region the early morning.
&&
.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...High Wind Warning from 6 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this
evening for SDZ039-040-054>056-060>062-065>071.
High Wind Warning until 6 PM CST this evening for SDZ038-050-
052-053-057>059-063-064.
MN...High Wind Warning from 9 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this
evening for MNZ071-072-080-089-097-098.
Wind Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this evening
for MNZ081-090.
IA...High Wind Warning from 9 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this
evening for IAZ001-012.
Wind Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this evening
for IAZ002-003-013-014-021-022-032.
High Wind Warning from 6 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this
evening for IAZ020-031.
NE...High Wind Warning from 6 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this
evening for NEZ013-014.
&&
DISCUSSION...08
AVIATION...AJPHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD 417 PM CST Wed Dec 17 2025 IAZ001-012-020-031-MNZ071-072-080-089-097-098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040- 050-052>071-182230- Lyon-Sioux-Plymouth-Woodbury-Lincoln-Murray-Nobles-Pipestone-Rock- Dixon-Dakota-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings-Gregory-Jerauld-Sanborn- Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-McCook-Minnehaha- Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay-Union- 417 PM CST Wed Dec 17 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa, west central Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, central South Dakota, east central South Dakota, south central South Dakota and southeast South Dakota. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Wind gusts of 15 to 30 mph are common this afternoon. The exceptions are areas at elevation in east central South Dakota and southwest Minnesota, and areas of south central South Dakota, where gusts up to 50 mph are possible. Strong gusts are expected to continue through the first part of this evening. Grassland fire danger is high to very high over south central South Dakota. This is due little to no snow cover, dried fuels, warm afternoon temperatures, and strong winds. Warm temperatures this afternoon are expected to fall rapidly this evening and overnight and could result in scattered slippery spots on the roads. Please use caution. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Scattered slippery spots on roadways are possible Thursday morning. Areas that were wet from melting snow are likely to have refrozen overnight. A strong cold front moves through the region beginning early Thursday morning. This front will bring chances for scattered snow showers and very strong winds. A High Wind Warning is in effect from 3AM until 6PM Thursday for gusts of 55-60+ mph. Isolated gusts up to 70 mph are possible. The warning area extends west of a line from Sioux City to Worthington to Marshall. In addition to the strong winds, there is potential for isolated snow squalls Thursday morning. Impacts to visibility and travel are possible into the afternoon as scattered snow showers continue. Snow tapers off through the early evening, and the winds taper off through the late evening. After that, mild and dry conditions are expected into next week. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. IAZ002-003-013-014-021-022-032-MNZ081-090-182230- Osceola-Dickinson-O'Brien-Clay-Cherokee-Buena Vista-Ida-Cottonwood- Jackson- 417 PM CST Wed Dec 17 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa, west central Iowa and southwest Minnesota. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Wind gusts of 15 to 30 mph are common this afternoon. The exceptions are areas at elevation in east central South Dakota and southwest Minnesota, and areas of south central South Dakota, where gusts up to 50 mph are possible. Strong gusts are expected to continue through the first part of this evening. Warm temperatures this afternoon are expected to fall rapidly overnight and could result in scattered slippery spots on the roads. Please use caution. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Scattered slippery spots on roadways are possible Thursday morning. Areas that were wet from melting snow are likely to have refrozen overnight. A strong cold front moves through the region beginning early Thursday morning. This front will bring chances for scattered snow showers and very strong winds. A Wind Advisory is in effect from 3PM until 6PM Thursday for gusts of 35-45+ mph. Isolated gusts up to 50 mph are possible. The advisory area extends east of a line from Sioux City to Worthington to Marshall. In addition to the strong winds, there is potential for isolated snow squalls Thursday morning. Impacts to visibility and travel are possible into the afternoon as scattered snow showers continue. Snow tapers off through the early evening, and the winds taper off through the late evening. After that, mild and dry conditions are expected into next week. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
24 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 51 mph at times, with gusts as high as 73 mph at Cavour, 70 mph at Wolsey, and 63 mph at Huron.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 46 mph at times, with gusts as high as 62 mph 4 miles south of Arlington and 58 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site 7 miles north of De Smet.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 45 mph at times, with gusts as high as 66 mph 1 mile east of Lane and 62 mph 2 miles east-southeast of Wessington Springs.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 46 mph at times, with gusts as high as 63 mph 8 miles east of Alpena and at a South Dakota Mesonet site 2 miles east-northeast of Letcher, and 61 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site 4 miles north-northwest of Woonsocket.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 48 mph at times, with gusts as high as 64 mph at Mitchell and 60 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site in Mount Vernon.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 57 mph at times, with gusts as high as 82 mph at Fort Randall Dam, 72 mph 2 miles east of Dixon and at Dallas, and 66 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site 16 miles north of Gregory.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 53 mph at times, with gusts as high as 79 mph 13 miles west of Platte, 75 mph 4 miles west of Geddes, 66 mph 8 miles east of Wagner, and 58 mph near Wagner.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 46 mph at times, with gusts as high as 58 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site at Volga.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 43 mph at times with gusts as high as 62 mph 1 mile west of Howard.
Northwest winds were sustained around 40 mph at times at a South Dakota Mesonet site 3 miles north-northeast of Flandreau and 2 miles south of Flandreau.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 44 mph at times, with gusts as high as 64 mph at Kimball and 59 mph at Chamberlain.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 52 mph at times, with gusts as high as 66 mph 4 miles west of Plankinton and at a South Dakota Mesonet site in White Lake.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 46 mph at times, with gusts as high as 64 mph 4 miles east-northeast of Alexandria.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 51 mph at times, with gusts as high as 67 mph 2 miles southeast of Montrose, 61 mph 4 miles north of Dolton, and 58 mph near Canova.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 48 mph at times, with gusts as high as 67 mph 4 miles south of Corsica.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 49 mph at times, with gusts as high as 71 mph 4 miles south of Freeman, 62 mph 1 mile northwest of Tripp, and 60 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site 7 miles east-southeast of Menno.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 45 mph at times, with gusts as high as 60 mph 1 mile southeast of Madison, and 59 mph at Madison and a South Dakota Mesonet site 6 miles south of Madison.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 43 mph at times, with gusts as high as 59 mph 3 miles west of Dell Rapids and at Sioux Falls.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 49 mph at times, with gusts as high as 63 mph 4 miles southeast of Parker, 62 mph 4 miles east of Irene, and 59 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site 7 miles north-northeast of Parker.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 44 mph at times, with gusts as high as 61 mph 10 miles east of Davis.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 45 mph at times, with gusts as high as 70 mph 5 miles east-southeast of Tyndall and 59 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site 3 miles east of Avon.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 52 mph at times, with gusts as high as 63 mph at Yankton and 2 miles west-southwest of Gayville, and 58 mph 10 miles north of Yankton.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 48 mph at times, with gusts as high as 64 mph 4 miles south of Beresford.
Northwest winds were sustained between 40 and 44 mph at times, with gusts as high as 64 mph at Vermillion and 60 mph at a South Dakota Mesonet site 7 miles west-southwest of Beresford.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Dakota in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyWarnings in South Dakota, December 2025
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: 1307675, 1307678, 1307681, 1307682, 1307796, 1307803, 1307804, 1307679, 1307684, 1307687, 1307792, 1307795, 1307798, 1307800, 1307805, 1307807, 1307686, 1307801, 1307809, 1307810, 1307886, 1307889, 1307895, 1307893.