High Winds, Freezing Rain, and Snow on Sunday, 1/27/2019

An anomalously strong Alberta Clipper swept across the state from the northwest to southeast on Sunday, 1/27/2019. High wind warnings were issued for western and central North Dakota, while winter weather advisories and blizzard warnings were issued for parts of central and eastern North Dakota for light freezing rain accumulations and accumulating, blowing, and drifting snow.

Late in the afternoon and into Monday morning, widespread wind gusts over 60 mph were reported, with the highest observed gust recorded at Sterling, ND of 66 mph. Sterling also recorded the highest sustained winds of the day, topping out at 52 mph. Numerous power outages were reported across the forecast area.

Ahead of the Clipper, a warm layer near the surface created the conditions favorable for light freezing rain across parts of the west and central. Light ice accumulations caused hazardous travel and slippery road conditions. Snow accumulations along and east of the Missouri River Valley generally ranged from 1 to 6 inches with the highest total 5.5 inches reported 5 miles northwest of Streeter, ND.