National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Overview

An arctic front and an intensifying storm system brought a dangerous combination of cold temperatures, high winds, and snowfall to the region prior to the Christmas holiday.  As temperatures plummeted from the 50s on the 22nd of December to the teens on the 23rd, winds also intensified.  The strongest reported wind gusts were observed between 60 and 70 mph.  

Snowfall totals between 2 and 6" were common through the region.  The light and fluffy variety of snow made it easy for driving winds to reduce visibilities.  Multiple hours of blizzard conditions were reported in the region, with blizzard warnings extending from Northern Minnesota through portions of the Dakotas, Iowa and Nebraska. 

Radar Loop of the Blizzard
Radar Loop of the Blizzard
Regional Snow Map Regional Snow Cover Blizzard Winds
Regional Snowfall Map Regional Snow Cover After The Storm Loop of Blizzard Winds
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