National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Overview

A large storm system and strong Arctic cold front brought accumulating snow, gusty northwest winds and dangerously cold wind chills to the region. This resulted in widespread ground blizzard conditions to much of the Northern Plains. Dangerously cold wind chills below -35F were also in place resulting in life-threatening travel conditions for the days leading up to Christmas. Numerous highways and interstates were closed with some travelers becoming stranded, requiring rescue. This front pushed southward through the entire southern United States, bringing multiple weather hazards and abnormally cold temperatures to the eastern 2/3rds of the CONUS. 

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Minimum Wind Chills and Timeline Maximum Wind Gusts and Timeline Observed Snowfall
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