A strong early spring storm system produced snow, sleet and freezing rain across southeast Minnesota from April 10th into the 11th. Snowfall amounts generally ranged from 3 to 7 inches. Strong east winds brought down power poles and lines where enough freezing rain occurred to coat exposed surfaces. Around 100 power poles were downed across Mower County and the entire town of Rushford (Fillmore County) lost power. The highest reported snowfall total was 11 inches on the northeast side of Rochester (Olmsted County). The highest recorded wind gust was 56 mph by the automated weather observing equipment at the Rochester airport. The Governor of Minnesota declared a state  of emergency and ordered the National Guard to assist as needed.

Winter Storm in OLMSTED, MINNESOTA
From 10-APR-19 08:00:00 to 11-APR-19 08:50:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 570.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that between 5 to 11 inches of snow fell across Olmsted County. In addition to the snow, a period of sleet and freezing rain occurred that coated exposed surfaces with a glaze of ice. With the coating of ice, power poles and lines were brought down by the strong winds across the southern and eastern sections of the county. The highest reported snowfall total was 11 inches in the northeast part of Rochester. The highest recorded wind gust was 56 mph by the automated weather observing equipment at the Rochester airport. Lightning struck a tree on the northeast side of Rochester, ruptured a gas line that started the tree on fire with the remains of the tree falling on a house, breaking a window.

Winter Weather in MOWER, MINNESOTA
From 10-APR-19 05:50:00 to 11-APR-19 07:50:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that 3 to 5 inches of snow fell across Mower County. In addition to the snow, a period of sleet and freezing rain occurred that coated exposed surfaces with a glaze of ice. With the coating of ice, around 100 power poles were snapped across the western sections of the county and power lines were brought down in various spots by the strong winds.

Winter Weather in DODGE, MINNESOTA
From 10-APR-19 07:10:00 to 11-APR-19 07:50:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that around 5 inches of snow fell across Dodge County. In addition to the snow, a period of sleet and freezing rain occurred that coated exposed surfaces with a glaze of ice. With the glaze of ice, some power poles and lines were brought down across the southern part of the county by the strong winds causing around 4,000 people to lose power. At least three county roads were closed because of downed power lines. A countywide state of emergency was declared with shelters opened for those without power.

Winter Weather in FILLMORE, MINNESOTA
From 10-APR-19 07:10:00 to 11-APR-19 09:20:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that between 5 and 6 inches of snow fell across Fillmore County. In addition to the snow, a period of sleet and freezing rain occurred that coated exposed surfaces with a glaze of ice. With the glaze of ice, some power poles and lines were brought down by the strong winds causing the entire town of Rushford to lose power.

Winter Weather in HOUSTON, MINNESOTA
From 10-APR-19 09:00:00 to 11-APR-19 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 560.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that between 2 and 4 inches of snow fell across Houston County. In addition to the snow, a period of sleet and freezing rain occurred that coated exposed surfaces with a glaze of ice. With the glaze of ice, some power poles and lines were brought down by the strong winds causing about a 3,000 people to lose power.

Winter Weather in WINONA, MINNESOTA
From 10-APR-19 09:20:00 to 11-APR-19 09:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 190.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that around 5 inches of snow fell across Dodge County. In addition to the snow, a period of sleet and freezing rain occurred that coated exposed surfaces with a glaze of ice. With the glaze of ice, some power lines were brought down across the western sections of the county, in Lewiston and near Stockton by the strong winds.

Winter Storm in WABASHA, MINNESOTA
From 10-APR-19 09:40:00 to 11-APR-19 11:20:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that 6 to 9 inches of snow fell across Wabasha County. In addition to the snow, a period of sleet and freezing rain occurred that coated exposed surfaces with a glaze of ice. The highest reported snowfall total was 9.3 inches near Zumbro Falls.