Overview
The season's first blizzard struck the area during the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Although winds gusted up to 60 mph, the lowest visibilities were mainly tied to falling snow. The main snow band moved into the Devils Lake region around midnight, shifted into the northern and central Red River Valley around 3 am, then finally into west central Minnesota and the southern Valley around 6 am. The 60 mph winds and falling snow combined to produce whiteout conditions at times, especially in open country. Once the snow ended, the wind did continue to loft the snow particles and keep visibilities low. This blizzard was fairly unique, as the blizzard conditions continued down the Interstate 94 corridor through St. Cloud into the Twin Cities.Snow
This is a preliminary snowfall map, the totals may not be exact in all areas. Snow measurement is extremely difficult during high wind events.
Watches & Warnings
Winter Storm Watches were issued ahead of the blizzard event and Blizzard Warnings were adjusted during the event.
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| Figure 1: Winter Storm Watch issued 430 AM Monday, December 21st | Figure 2: Winter Storm Watch expanded 420 AM Tuesday, December 22nd | Figure 3: Blizzard Warning 3 AM Wednesday, December 23rd |
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| Figure 4: Blizzard Warning Expansion 1 | Figure 5: Blizzard Warning Expansion 2 | Figure 6: Blizzard Warning Expansion 3 |
Photos & Video
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| Blizzard Hits NWS Grand Forks at 3 AM Wed (NWS) |
Pembina Border Station (ND DOT) |
Dilworth (MNDOT) |
PlowCam near Crookston MN (MNDOT) |
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| PlowCam near Detroit Lakes MN (MNDOT) |
PlowCam near Fergus Falls MN (MNDOT) |
PlowCam near Wolverton MN (MNDOT) |
DashCam near Glyndon MN (Jesse Grabow MNSHP) |
Radar
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| 9 PM Tue - 3 AM Wed | 3 AM Wed - 9 AM Wed | 9 AM Wed - 3 PM Wed | 3 PM Wed - 9 PM Wed |
Storm Reports
Here are the preliminary highest wind reports during the blizzard.
Environment
Here are the surface maps during the blizzard event.
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| Figure 1: 9 PM Tue | Figure 2: Midnight Wed | Figure 3: 3 AM Wed |
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| Figure 4: 6 AM Wed | Figure 5: 9 AM Wed | Figure 6: Noon Wed |
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| Figure 7: 3 PM Wed | Figure 8: 6 PM Wed | Figure 9: 9 PM Wed |
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