A strong area of low pressure moved out of the Central Plains into Illinois and the Great Lakes region on December 19th and 20th. As this storm moved by, it dumped between 5 and 10 inches of snow on southeast Minnesota and produced wind gusts in excess of 40 mph. The winds created blowing and drifting snow that prompted schools to close Thursday the 20th with some remaining closed Friday the 21st or utilized 2 hour delays. The highest reported snow total was 9.7 inches in Minnesota City (Winona County). National Guard troops were activated across the state to help rescue stranded drivers. Several highways were closed because of accidents, including U.S. 61, U.S. 14 and Interstate 90.

Winter Storm in DODGE, MINNESOTA
From 19-DEC-12 22:00:00 to 20-DEC-12 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Snowfall reports across Dodge County indicated between 6 and 8 inches of snow fell across the eastern portions of the county. North winds between 20 and 30 mph created blowing and drifting snow and produced very poor driving conditions. The highest reported snow total was 7.5 inches in Mantorville.

Winter Storm in FILLMORE, MINNESOTA
From 19-DEC-12 22:00:00 to 20-DEC-12 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Snowfall reports across Fillmore County indicated between 6 and 8 inches of snow fell across the northern portions of the county. North winds between 25 and 35 mph created blowing and drifting snow and produced very poor driving conditions. The highest reported snow total was 8.0 inches west of Spring Valley.

Winter Storm in HOUSTON, MINNESOTA
From 19-DEC-12 23:00:00 to 20-DEC-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Snowfall reports across Houston County indicated around 6 inches of snow fell across most of the county. North winds between 25 and 35 mph created blowing and drifting snow and produced very poor driving conditions.

Winter Storm in MOWER, MINNESOTA
From 19-DEC-12 21:30:00 to 20-DEC-12 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Snowfall reports across Mower County indicated between 6 and 8 inches of snow fell across much of the county. North winds between 25 and 35 mph created blowing and drifting snow and produced very poor driving conditions. The highest reported snow total was 8.0 inches in Grand Meadow.

Winter Storm in OLMSTED, MINNESOTA
From 19-DEC-12 21:59:00 to 20-DEC-12 16:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Snowfall reports across Olmsted County indicated between 6 and 7 inches of snow fell across much of the county. North winds between 25 and 35 mph created blowing and drifting snow and produced very poor driving conditions. The highest reported snow total was 7.0 inches at the Rochester airport and south of Dover.

Winter Storm in WABASHA, MINNESOTA
From 19-DEC-12 23:00:00 to 20-DEC-12 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Snowfall reports across Wabasha County indicated between 6 and 8 inches of snow fell across much of the county. North winds between 25 and 35 mph created blowing and drifting snow and produced very poor driving conditions. The highest reported snow total was 7.6 inches just southwest of Theilman.

Winter Storm in WINONA, MINNESOTA
From 19-DEC-12 23:00:00 to 20-DEC-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Insurance Company

Snowfall reports across Winona County indicated between 6 and 10 inches of snow fell across much of the county. North winds between 25 and 35 mph created blowing and drifting snow and produced very poor driving conditions. The highest reported snow total was 9.7 inches in Minnesota City.