National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Overview

Multiple winter hazards occurred across the Northern Plains from the evening of January 11th through the morning hours of January 16th. Light to moderate snow began across the region during the afternoon and evening of January 11th before exiting the area throughout the day on January 12th. Less than an inch all the way up to 8 inches of snow was reported, highest south of I-90.

Strong wind gusts moved in as the snow diminished with gusts up to 40-60 mph, which led to blowing and drifting snow. Widespread reduced visibilities from a mile to a quarter of a mile or less resulted in ground blizzard conditions for the entirety of January 13th. The worst conditions were across areas that received fresh snowfall during the previous 24 to 36 hours. 

During this same period of time, an Arctic airmass sank through the central United States, bringing well below average temperatures and life-threatening wind chills. Extreme cold with wind chills between -40°F and -60°F were reported. Although the ground blizzard ceased by January 14th, these dangerous wind chills continued through the morning hours of of January 16th before temperatures and wind chills warmed to non-hazardous levels.

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January 11-12, 2024 Snowfall
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