A significant low pressure system developed in the lee of the Rocky Mountains over Colorado and Wyoming Sunday, March 22nd, strengthening and ejecting northeast into the upper Midwest by Tuesday, March 24th. Strong southerly flow ahead of this storm system brought ample Gulf of Mexico moisture all the way into southern Canada, setting the stage for significant precipitation accumulations across the region. Winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings were posted well in advance of the storm. Warning lead time averaged nearly 25 hours.
Precipitation started in the form of rain and thunderstorms Sunday into Monday morning, before changing over to all snow west to east Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.  Additionally, strong northwest winds of 20 to 45 mph accompanying the snow, produced widespread blizzard conditions west during the day on Monday, then across central North Dakota Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. Further east, around the James River Basin area, winter storm warnings were in effect due to a wintry mix of rain, snow, and sleet and for lighter snow accumulations.
Blizzard conditions continued across much of southwestern and central North Dakota on Tuesday, with conditions then gradually improving Tuesday night as the snow ended and the winds subsided. Storm total snow amounts ranged from 12 to 22.5 inches across southwest North Dakota, to five to 11 inches central. No travel advisories, road closures, power outages, and school and business closures were common during this significant spring storm.

Blizzard in BILLINGS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in GOLDEN VALLEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in BOWMAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Bowman reported a storm total snow amount of 14 inches. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in SLOPE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Marmarth reported a storm total snow amount of 22.5 inches. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Cooperative observers reported storm total snow amounts of nine inches at Flasher and 13.5 inches in Glen Ullin. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions. Interstate 94 from Mandan to Dickinson was closed due to the blizzard. Power outages were also reported in Glen Ullin during the storm.

Blizzard in MERCER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Beulah reported a storm total snow amount of 13 inches. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in MCLEAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Ruso reported a storm total snow amount of ten inches. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Flash Flood in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 25-MAR-09 08:20:00 to 25-MAR-09 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BISMARCK
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An ice jam on the Missouri River at Bismarck, and recent melting snow, caused a drainage canal to back up and overflow into south Bismarck. This occurred in the vicinity of University Drive and Wachter Avenue, and for several blocks around there. Damage was mostly confined to a mobile home park, which was lower in elevation than the surrounding terrain. The homes were elevated within the park and so damage was minimal. Bismarck city crews took action that resulted in the flood waters receding.

Blizzard in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Fort Yates reported a storm total snow amount of eight inches. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in MOUNTRAIL, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Thunderstorm Wind in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 22-MAR-09 10:35:00 to 22-MAR-09 10:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOFFIT
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

This thunderstorm wind gust was measured at the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Blizzard in MCHENRY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Winter Storm in STUTSMAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 24-MAR-09 03:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow greatly impacted travel across the county. A storm total snow amount of six inches was reported.

Winter Storm in FOSTER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 24-MAR-09 03:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow greatly impacted travel across the county. A storm total snow amount of six inches was reported.

Blizzard in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

A storm total snow amount of 8.1 inches was recorded at the Bismarck National Weather Service Forecast Office. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions. Around 180 residences in Moffit lost power during the storm.

Blizzard in WELLS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 24-MAR-09 01:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Harvey reported a storm total snow amount of seven inches. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in WARD, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Cooperative observers reported storm total snow amounts of eight inches at Minot and nine inches in Des Lacs. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in BOTTINEAU, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Newburg reported a storm total snow amount of ten inches. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in DUNN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Cooperative observers reported storm total snow amounts of eight inches in Dunn Center and 22.3 inches in Halliday. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in ROLETTE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 24-MAR-09 01:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Rolla reported a storm total snow amount of 7.5 inches. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Winter Storm in LOGAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 24-MAR-09 03:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow greatly impacted travel across the county. A storm total snow amount of six inches was reported. Power outages were reported in rural areas of the county during the storm.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARD, NORTH DAKOTA
From 22-MAR-09 08:36:00 to 22-MAR-09 08:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: (MIB)MINOT AFB
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Automated Surface Observing System at the Minot Air Force Base measured this thunderstorm wind gust.

Winter Storm in MCINTOSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 24-MAR-09 03:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow greatly impacted travel across the county. A storm total snow amount of six inches was reported. Power outages were reported in rural areas of the county during the storm.

Blizzard in STARK, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Cooperative observers reported storm total snow amounts of 12 inches in Richardton and Taylor, and 18 inches in Dickinson. The heavy snow combined with strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions. Interstate 94 from Dickinson to Mandan was closed due to the blizzard.

Flash Flood in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 22-MAR-09 14:30:00 to 22-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Minor damage occurred to county roads due to the flash flooding. Action by county crews kept flash flood waters away from a few homes that were threatened.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCHENRY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 22-MAR-09 09:05:00 to 22-MAR-09 09:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEERING
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Blizzard in HETTINGER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in ADAMS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 07:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in GRANT, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions. Power outages were reported in rural areas of the county during the storm.

Blizzard in KIDDER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 24-MAR-09 01:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions. Power outages were reported in rural areas of the county during the storm.

Flash Flood in LA MOURE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 22-MAR-09 15:00:00 to 22-MAR-09 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA MOURE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Minor damage occurred to some gravel county roads due to the flash flooding. There were no reports of homes being flooded.

Blizzard in SHERIDAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in PIERCE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 24-MAR-09 01:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in OLIVER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in RENVILLE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in EMMONS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 to 24-MAR-09 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Moderate to heavy snow accompanied by strong northwest winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions. Power outages were reported in rural areas of the county during the storm.