A powerful winter storm developed across the central plains Tuesday afternoon, and quickly intensified as it moved across the southern Great Lakes by Wednesday morning.
A broad area of light snow developed across southern Minnesota Tuesday afternoon, but heavier snowfall developed during the evening and overnight hours as the storm intensified.  Several locations in south central and east central Minnesota reported nearly a foot of snow by Wednesday morning, with the heaviest report at Zumbrota in the southeastern part of Goodhue County.  Faribault, Owatonna and Northfield all reported around 10 inches as the storm departed Wednesday evening. Snowfall amounts tapered off rapidly to the northwest of the Twin Cities, where a few inches occurred from St. Cloud to Alexandria.
In addition to the heavy snowfall reports, strong winds developed and caused blizzard or near blizzard conditions for a large area of southwest and south central Minnesota.  Frequent gusts of 40 to 50 mph were reported during the height of the storm including 54 mph at Blue Earth, and 50 mph along I-35 south of Owatonna.  Several county highway crews were taken off the roads due to poor visibility and blocked roads during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in GOODHUE, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across mainly southwestern Goodhue County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of 40 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided during the afternoon. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 10 to 13 inches across the county.

Winter Storm in RAMSEY, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Local cooperative observers reported between 6 and 8 inches of snow across Ramsey County with winds estimated between 20 and 30 mph during the height of the storm, with a few gusts over 35 mph.

Winter Storm in WASHINGTON, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Local cooperative observers reported between 4 and 8 inches of snow across Washington County with winds estimated between 20 and 30 mph during the height of the storm, with a few gusts over 35 mph.

Blizzard in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across mainly far southern Scott County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of 40 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided during the early afternoon. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 5 to 7 inches across the county.

Winter Storm in ANOKA, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 12:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Local cooperative observers reported between 4 and 6 inches of snow across Anoka County with winds estimated between 20 and 30 mph during the height of the storm, with a few gusts over 35 mph.

Winter Storm in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 12:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Local cooperative observers reported around 6 inches of snow fell in the far southeast corner of Wright County.  Winds were estimated between 20 and 30 mph during the height of the storm, with a few gusts over 35 mph.

Winter Storm in CARVER, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Local cooperative observers reported between 4 and 7 inches of snow across Carver County with winds estimated between 20 and 30 mph during the height of the storm, with a few gusts over 35 mph.

Winter Storm in HENNEPIN, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Local cooperative observers reported between 4 and 8 inches of snow across Hennepin County with winds estimated between 20 and 30 mph during the height of the storm, with a few gusts over 35 mph.

Blizzard in LE SUEUR, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across Le Sueur County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided during the afternoon. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 6 to 8 inches across the county.

Blizzard in RICE, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across Rice County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided during the afternoon. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 6 to 12 inches across the county.

Blizzard in DAKOTA, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across mainly far southern Dakota County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of 40 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided during the early afternoon. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 5 to 8 inches across the county.

Winter Storm in MCLEOD, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Local cooperative observers reported between 4 and 6 inches of snow across McLeod County with winds estimated between 20 and 30 mph during the height of the storm with a few gusts over 35 mph.

Blizzard in LAC QUI PARLE, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 07:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported that blizzard conditions developed during the late evening as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created near whiteout conditions in open country with visibilities only a few hundred feet at times. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 2 to 4 inches across the county.

Blizzard in WASECA, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across Waseca County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided during the afternoon. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 8 to 10 inches across the county.

Blizzard in STEELE, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across Steele County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided during the afternoon. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 8 to 12 inches across the county.

Blizzard in SIBLEY, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A local observation along Highway 19 near Gaylord and some reports from the local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across mainly southern Sibley County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided around the noon hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 2 to 5 inches across the county.

Blizzard in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department observed white-out conditions for several hours across Blue Earth County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided around the noon hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 7 to 9 inches across the county.

Blizzard in FREEBORN, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 06:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported white-out conditions for several hours across Freeborn County. Interstate 35 was nearly closed due to the blizzard conditions which caused several travelers and truck drivers to wait out the storm in Albert Lea. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided during the afternoon. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 8 to 11 inches across the county.

Blizzard in MARTIN, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department observed white-out conditions for several hours across Martin County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided around the noon hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 3 to 10 inches across the county.

Blizzard in FARIBAULT, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 06:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department observed white-out conditions for several hours across Faribault County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided around the noon hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 8 to 10 inches across the county.

Blizzard in NICOLLET, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department observed white-out conditions for several hours across Nicollet County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided around the noon hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 5 to 8 inches across the county.

Blizzard in BROWN, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department observed white-out conditions for several hours across most of Brown County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided around the noon hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 5 to 8 inches across the county.

Winter Storm in SHERBURNE, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 12:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Local cooperative observers reported around 6 inches of snow fell in the far southeast corner of Sherburne County.  Winds were estimated between 20 and 30 mph during the height of the storm, with a few gusts over 35 mph.

Blizzard in YELLOW MEDICINE, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 07:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported that blizzard conditions developed during the late evening as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created near whiteout conditions in open country with visibilities only a few hundred feet at times.  Total snowfall amounts ranged from 2 to 4 inches across the county.

Blizzard in WATONWAN, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department observed white-out conditions for several hours across most of Watonwan County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided around the noon hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 3 to 8 inches across the county.

Blizzard in CHIPPEWA, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 07:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported that blizzard conditions developed during the late evening as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created near whiteout conditions in open country across far southern Chippewa County where visibilities were reduced to a few hundred feet at times.  Total snowfall amounts ranged from 2 to 4 inches across the county.

Blizzard in RENVILLE, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department reported that blizzard conditions developed during the early morning hours as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created near whiteout conditions in open country where visibilities were reduced to a few hundred feet at times.  Total snowfall amounts ranged from 3 to 5 inches across the county.

Blizzard in REDWOOD, MINNESOTA
From 08-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The local county highway department observed white-out conditions for several hours across most of Redwood County. Wind speeds increased from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 45 mph at times. This created blizzard conditions that continued until winds subsided around the noon hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 3 to 5 inches across the county.