An intense storm system which developed across northern Minnesota brought widespread high winds and periods of blizzard conditions to west and central North Dakota on Tuesday, October 26, and Wednesday, October 27, 2010.
In the early morning hours of October 26th, an area of surface low pressure ejecting out of the central plains rapidly intensified across central and northern Minnesota. This was in response to a very strong jet streak moving through the central plains, creating an area of high mid level divergence over the upper Mississippi Valley region. The central pressure of the surface low continued to drop, with low pressure records being set across parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Over North Dakota on the back side of this low, a very strong pressure gradient developed as the surface low intensified, resulting in widespread high sustained winds of 40 to near 50 mph, and peak wind gusts to near 70 mph Tuesday into Wednesday.
Wrap around precipitation developed underneath a strong TROWAL (TRough Of Warm Air aLoft) from the north to the south-southeast over the Dakotas, with precipitation changing from rain to snow as cold air was pulled into the system. When combined with the very high winds, widespread blizzard conditions developed across much of the state, with the worse conditions occurring Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Storm total snowfall amounts were highest across the Turtle Mountain area, where up to thirteen inches was reported. The southern James River Valley received the least amount of snow, with only an inch reported.
Impacts from this episode varied across the state. The high winds and blizzard conditions resulted in scattered power outages in both rural and urban areas, downed trees, some school closures, multiple traffic accidents, and numerous travel advisories and alerts issued by the North Dakota Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation.

High Wind in MCINTOSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 62 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

High Wind in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 70 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

High Wind in KIDDER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 40.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in WILLIAMS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from four to seven inches.

Blizzard in DUNN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 20:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from four to nine inches.

High Wind in WELLS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in MOUNTRAIL, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from four to seven inches.

Blizzard in KIDDER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 50 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from two to five inches.

Blizzard in DIVIDE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph, and peak gusts to 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from three to six inches.

Blizzard in OLIVER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from two to five inches.

High Wind in STARK, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A long duration high wind event occurred across southwest North Dakota from early Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported.

Blizzard in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from two to five inches.

High Wind in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

High Wind in OLIVER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 60 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in MERCER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 20:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 50 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from three to six inches.

Blizzard in WARD, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 50 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from three to six inches.

High Wind in MERCER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 55 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in STUTSMAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from two to six inches.

High Wind in HETTINGER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A long duration high wind event occurred across southwest North Dakota from early Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 60 mph, were reported.

High Wind in LOGAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 53 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

High Wind in LA MOURE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 68 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

High Wind in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 65 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in MCLEAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 20:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from three to six inches.

Blizzard in BURKE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from four to six inches.

Blizzard in RENVILLE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 50 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from three to six inches.

High Wind in SLOPE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A long duration high wind event occurred across southwest North Dakota from early Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported.

High Wind in STUTSMAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 59 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from two to five inches.

Blizzard in EMMONS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from two to five inches.

Blizzard in MCHENRY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 50 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from three to six inches.

Blizzard in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from two to four inches.

High Wind in EMMONS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in BOTTINEAU, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from eight to thirteen inches, with the higher amounts occurring in Lake Metigoshe State Park.

High Wind in FOSTER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in GRANT, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from two to four inches.

Blizzard in ROLETTE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from six to twelve inches, with the higher amounts occurring near the International Peace Garden.

High Wind in GRANT, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in MCINTOSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from one to three inches.

High Wind in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 60 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

Blizzard in PIERCE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from four to eight inches.

High Wind in ADAMS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A long duration high wind event occurred across southwest North Dakota from early Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 61 mph, were reported.

Blizzard in LOGAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 60 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from one to three inches.

High Wind in BOWMAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A long duration high wind event occurred across southwest North Dakota from early Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported.

Blizzard in MCKENZIE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 50 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from four to seven inches.

Blizzard in FOSTER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 20:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 50 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from six to ten inches.

High Wind in DUNN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

High Wind in BILLINGS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A long duration high wind event occurred across southwest North Dakota from early Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported.

Blizzard in SHERIDAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 20:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from three to eight inches.

High Wind in MCLEAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 60 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.

High Wind in GOLDEN VALLEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A long duration high wind event occurred across southwest North Dakota from early Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported.

Blizzard in WELLS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 20:00:00 to 27-OCT-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, and peak gusts in excess of 55 mph, combined with falling snow and snow on the ground to create widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions. Storm total snowfall amounts ranged from six to twelve inches.

High Wind in SHERIDAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 26-OCT-10 11:00:00 to 26-OCT-10 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, and wind gusts up to 58 mph, were reported for several hours. Snow then combined with the high winds Wednesday, October 27th to create blizzard conditions.