A significant severe winter weather event occurred across much of west and all of central North Dakota March 11th through early March 12th.
An Alberta Clipper rapidly intensified as it moved east-southeast into the Northern Plains in response to a strong upper level jet streak amplifying the clipper's associated mid level trough. Warm air advection ahead of the clipper resulted in the initial precipitation type to fall as rain. As the precipitation was mainly orientated along the clipper's cold front, a quick transition from rain to all snow occurred with the frontal passage.  Storm total snow accumulations with this storm ranged from two to five inches northwest and central.
The main impact from this storm was the sudden onset and prolonged period of intense winds generated along and behind the cold front. Sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, with gusts to around 70 mph, developed west during the morning and spread east in the afternoon, then persisting through evening. When combined with the snow, severe blizzard conditions quickly became widespread, significantly impacting travel.  In addition, temperatures initially above freezing fell into the 20s behind the front, turning wet and slushy roads into ice.
Across southwest North Dakota, very little precipitation fell and the main impact was high wind.
The violent and fast moving nature of this storm, combined with extremely icy road surfaces, resulted in dangerous if not impossible travel conditions in white out conditions. Numerous travel advisories and road closures were in effect, including the closure of Interstate 94 from Dickinson to Fargo, and Highway 83 from Bismarck to Minot. Several hundred motorists were stranded along minor and major roadways. Many accidents occurred. One in Sioux County involved injury. This blizzard caused unprecedented demand on law enforcement and emergency services, and required the North Dakota National Guard to be activated to assist in rescuing stranded motorists.

High Wind in SLOPE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 ES
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Estimated sustained winds over 40 mph occurred across Slope County.

High Wind in GOLDEN VALLEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 ES
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Estimated sustained winds over 40 mph occurred across Golden Valley County.

High Wind in BILLINGS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

High Wind in STARK, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

High Wind in HETTINGER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Estimated peak winds up to 60 mph occurred across Hettinger County.

High Wind in ADAMS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

High Wind in GRANT, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Estimated peak winds up to 60 mph occurred across Grant County.

Blizzard in WILLIAMS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to near 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in DIVIDE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to near 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in LA MOURE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 14:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to around 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 14:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to around 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

High Wind in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Estimated peak winds up to 60 mph occurred across Sioux County. An accident between a school bus and a pickup truck, which was caused by the strong winds, resulted in seven injuries.

Blizzard in DUNN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 12:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to near 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in MCKENZIE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 55 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in MOUNTRAIL, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 12:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in BURKE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 12:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in RENVILLE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 12:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in WARD, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 12:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 55 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in MCLEAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 12:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to near 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in MERCER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 12:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to near 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in OLIVER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 12:30:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to near 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to around 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in EMMONS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds measured up to 71 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in MCHENRY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds of 40 to 55 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in BOTTINEAU, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds of 40 to 55 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in ROLETTE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds of 40 to 55 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in PIERCE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds of 40 to 55 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in SHERIDAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in KIDDER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:30:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in WELLS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:30:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in LOGAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:30:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in MCINTOSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 13:30:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in STUTSMAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 14:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to around 65 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

Blizzard in FOSTER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 14:00:00 to 12-MAR-11 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Widespread and severe blizzard conditions developed as strong northwesterly winds up to around 60 mph combined with falling snow and fresh snow cover on the ground. Travel was significantly impacted due to near zero visibilities, strong winds, and ice covered road surfaces.

High Wind in BOWMAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-MAR-11 11:00:00 to 11-MAR-11 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 37.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways