A strong storm system late in the winter season, brought a few inches of snow across portions of west central Minnesota during the night of March 17, 2013. By the morning of Monday, March 18th, the storm system moved across the western Great Lakes, with an increased pressure gradient as high pressure built in from the Northern Plains. Surface winds increased significantly Monday morning, with gusts in excess of 40 mph at times in the open areas of west central Minnesota. White out conditions developed with several hours of near zero visibility from Morris to Benson, Glenwood, and Alexandria. Roads became hazardous, with Interstate 94 from Alexandria to the North Dakota border, closed during the height of the storm. The Minnesota Department of Transportation also reported a wide area across west central Minnesota where travel was not recommended due to significant blowing and drifting of the snow.

Blizzard in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-13 19:30:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Minnesota Department of Transportation closed Interstate 94 as significant blowing and drifting snow caused white out conditions along Interstate 94 from Alexandria, northwest to the North Dakota border. During the morning, several weather observing stations reported one-quarter of a mile or less, and continued through the afternoon, before winds decreased and allowed for visibilities to improve.

Blizzard in POPE, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-13 19:30:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Several reports of white out conditions were observed throughout the county during the afternoon of Monday, March 18th. During the height of the storm, winds were observed at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph at times. Visibilities reported at the Glenwood airport had several hours of one-half mile or lower in blowing snow.
In addition, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported roads nearly impassable and travel not recommended. As winds decreased during the late afternoon, and early evening, surface visibilities improved.

Blizzard in STEVENS, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-13 19:00:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported significant blowing and drifting snow which caused white out conditions across Stevens county during the height of the storm. During the morning, Morris airport reported one-quarter of a mile or less, and continued through the afternoon, before winds decreased and allowed for visibilities to improve.

Blizzard in SWIFT, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-13 19:00:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Several reports of white out conditions were observed throughout the county during the afternoon of Monday, March 18th. During the height of the storm, winds were observed at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph at times. Visibilities reported at the Benson airport had several hours of one-half mile or lower in blowing snow. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported roads nearly impassable and travel not recommended. As winds decreased during the late afternoon, and early evening, surface visibilities improved.