Strong north to northwest winds, gusting to over 50 mph, combined with existing loose snow cover and 1 to 3 inches of new snow to produce blizzard conditions with widespread visibilities near zero over much of southwest Minnesota during the day and early evening of January 12th. The very low visibilities were widespread where the greatest loose snow cover was located, and more localized in extreme southwest Minnesota.

Blizzard in JACKSON, MINNESOTA
From 12-JAN-09 15:00:00 to 12-JAN-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

North to northwest winds sustained at 30 to 40 mph with gusts around 50 mph combined with several inches of loose snow cover, along with 1 to 3 inches of new snow, to produce widespread visibilities of a quarter mile or less in blowing snow. The low visibilities and drifting snow made travel impossible in many areas, and forced schools and businesses to close.

Winter Weather in ROCK, MINNESOTA
From 12-JAN-09 14:00:00 to 12-JAN-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

North to northwest winds gusting to around 50 mph, existing snow cover, and 1 to 2 inches of new snow produced areas of blowing snow with local visibilities below a quarter mile.

Winter Weather in NOBLES, MINNESOTA
From 12-JAN-09 15:00:00 to 12-JAN-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

North to northwest winds gusting to around 50 mph, existing snow cover, and 1 to 2 inches of new snow produced areas of blowing snow with local visibilities below a quarter mile.

Blizzard in LINCOLN, MINNESOTA
From 12-JAN-09 13:30:00 to 12-JAN-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

North to northwest winds sustained at 30 to 40 mph with gusts around 50 mph combined with several inches of loose snow cover, along with 1 to 3 inches of new snow, to produce widespread visibilities of a quarter mile or less in blowing snow. The low visibilities and drifting snow made travel impossible in many areas, and forced schools and businesses to close.

Blizzard in PIPESTONE, MINNESOTA
From 12-JAN-09 13:30:00 to 12-JAN-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

North to northwest winds sustained at 30 to 40 mph with gusts around 50 mph combined with several inches of loose snow cover, along with 1 to 3 inches of new snow, to produce widespread visibilities of a quarter mile or less in blowing snow. The low visibilities and drifting snow made travel impossible in many areas, and forced schools and businesses to close.

Blizzard in LYON, MINNESOTA
From 12-JAN-09 14:00:00 to 12-JAN-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

North to northwest winds sustained at 30 to 40 mph with gusts around 50 mph combined with several inches of loose snow cover, along with 1 to 3 inches of new snow, to produce widespread visibilities of a quarter mile or less in blowing snow. The low visibilities and drifting snow made travel impossible in many areas, and forced schools and businesses to close.

Blizzard in MURRAY, MINNESOTA
From 12-JAN-09 14:00:00 to 12-JAN-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

North to northwest winds sustained at 30 to 40 mph with gusts around 50 mph combined with several inches of loose snow cover, along with 1 to 3 inches of new snow, to produce widespread visibilities of a quarter mile or less in blowing snow. The low visibilities and drifting snow made travel impossible in many areas, and forced schools and businesses to close.

Blizzard in COTTONWOOD, MINNESOTA
From 12-JAN-09 15:00:00 to 12-JAN-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

North to northwest winds sustained at 30 to 40 mph with gusts around 50 mph combined with several inches of loose snow cover, along with 1 to 3 inches of new snow, to produce widespread visibilities of a quarter mile or less in blowing snow. The low visibilities and drifting snow made travel impossible in many areas, and forced schools and businesses to close. City and county government offices in Windom were also closed.