Heavy Precipitation in the West; Wintry Mix in the North; Fire Weather in the High Plains

Pacific moisture will continue to bring locally heavy coastal/lower elevation rain and heavy mountain snow to the West Coast and portions of the Intermountain West through Monday. A wintry mix will create hazardous travel across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest into early Monday. Dry, gusty winds are resulting in elevated to critical fire weather in the south/central High Plains. Read More >

Overview

On November 17-18, 2016 atmospheric conditions (moisture transport, strong winds aloft, and low pressure) were ideal for heavy snowfall. Most of the snow fell on November 18, leading to a blizzard warning issued west of the Twin Cities metro region at 3 am. Total accumulated snowfall amounts up to 16 inches were reported in north-central Minnesota. Cities around the Twin Cities region experienced very poor visibility and high wind gusts on November 18 as well.

Snow
Radar
Environment

Snow

Total accumulated snowfall during 48 hours preceding Nov. 19


Blizzard warning issued Nov. 18 at 3 AM CST	Winter storm warning issued Nov. 18 at 6 AM CST	Winter weather advisory issued Nov. 18 at 12 PM CST

Radar:


NEXRAD reflectivity loop on Nov. 18 8-9 AM CST	NEXRAD reflectivity loop on Nov. 18 9:15-10:15 AM CST	NEXRAD reflectivity loop on Nov. 18 4:45-6 PM CST

Environment

Moisture transport from the southern United States, a strong upper-level jet, a trough/low pressure, and high values of precipitable water created a favorable environment for blizzard conditions. These conditions led to heavy snowfall, low visibility, and high winds for most cities around the Twin Cities.


Nov. 18 National Weather Forecast	850 mb RAP analysis loop	700 mb RAP analysis loop


500 mb RAP analysis loop	300 mb 12Z map analysis for Nov. 18 showing strong winds	Precipitable water RAP analysis loop


Montevideo visibility and wind observation graph	Redwood Falls visibility and wind observation graph	Springfield visibility and wind observation graph

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Heavy Precipitation in the West; Wintry Mix in the North; Fire Weather in the High Plains

Summary of November 17-18, 2016 MN Blizzard