A strong system was well south in the southern Mississippi River region the morning of Thursday February 7th. Over the Upper Midwest, there was an elongated, inverted trough that focused the precipitation across the Upper Midwest during the morning, and afternoon of Thursday February 7th. Once this system moved rapidly northeast over the Great Lakes region, and pressure rises occurred across the Upper Midwest, strong gusty winds developed and caused blizzard conditions in parts of Minnesota.
The initial bands of precipitation developed over southern Minnesota during the predawn hours with a mixture of sleet, freezing rain and snow. There was already a coating of ice from a long duration of freezing drizzle the night before. The mixture of sleet, freezing rain, and snow quickly changed over to all snow after sunrise.
Snowfall intensified in the morning, with amounts of 4 to 6 inches already reported in portions of central and east central Minnesota before noon. The snowfall continued through the afternoon, and tapered off in the evening. The heaviest snowfall occurred between 7 AM CST, to 2 PM CST.
As winds began to increase during the afternoon, visibility dropped significantly in western Minnesota. By the mid to late afternoon, several roads closed as blowing snow kept snowplows off the road. In addition, the governor of Minnesota activated the National Guard for blizzard assistance in Renville County due to white-out conditions and stranded motorists.
Between 330 PM and 930 PM Thursday, February, 7th, the Minnesota State Patrol reported 149 crashes, 294 spin-outs and 19 jack knifed trucks in portions of west central, and northwest Minnesota.

Heavy Snow in MEEKER, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A few reports from social media and the general public reported up to 7 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in CHIPPEWA, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 12:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed across Chippewa County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were closed based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in MILLE LACS, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports from social media and a trained spotter reported up to 8 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in REDWOOD, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 12:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed across Redwood County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports from social media. trained spotters and the general public reported up to 8 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon. Some areas north of Morrison County received up to 8 inches of snow by 12 noon CST.

Blizzard in RENVILLE, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 12:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed across Renville County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page. The National Guard was activated due to white-out conditions, and stranded motorists.

Heavy Snow in RAMSEY, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Several reports from social media, a COOP observer, and the general public reported up to 7 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in NICOLLET, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 12:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed across Nicollet County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several reports from social media and the general public reported up to 6 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in WATONWAN, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 13:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed across Watonwan County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in SHERBURNE, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports from social media, trained spotters, and the general public, reported up to 9 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in FARIBAULT, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 14:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed across Faribault County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Several reports from social media, COOP observers, and the general public reported up to 9 inches of snow, that fell during the morning, and through the afternoon.

Heavy Snow in ANOKA, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several reports from social media and the general public reported up to 6 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Heavy Snow in WASHINGTON, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 08:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several reports from social media and the general public reported up to 6 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Heavy Snow in BENTON, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several reports from social media and the general public reported up to 6 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Heavy Snow in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports from social media, trained spotters, and the general public reported up to 9 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Heavy Snow in CARVER, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Several reports from social media, the general public, and the official report at the Chanhassen WFO, reported up to 9 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in SWIFT, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 11:30:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed across Swift County during the late morning as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were closed due to white out conditions and snow plows were taken off the road.  This is based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in CHISAGO, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A few reports from social media and the general public reported up to 6 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in YELLOW MEDICINE, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 11:30:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed across Yellow Medicine County during the late morning as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in DAKOTA, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several reports from social media, trained observers, and the general public reported up to 8 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in MARTIN, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 13:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed across Martin County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in HENNEPIN, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports from social media, trained spotters, and the general public reported up to 8 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in LAC QUI PARLE, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 11:30:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed across Lac Qui Parle County during the late morning as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were closed due to white out conditions and snow plows were taken off the road. This is based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in ISANTI, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A few reports from social media and the general public reported up to 6 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 14:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed across Blue Earth County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in KANABEC, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 08:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A few reports from social media and the general public between Milaca, and Hinckley,  reported up to 8 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in STEVENS, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 10:30:00 to 07-FEB-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed across Stevens County during the late morning as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were closed due to white out conditions and snow plows were taken off the road. This is based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.

Heavy Snow in MCLEOD, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports from social media and a trained spotter, reported up to 8 inches of snow, that fell during the mid morning, through the afternoon.

Blizzard in BROWN, MINNESOTA
From 07-FEB-19 12:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed across Brown County during the afternoon as winds increased to 30 to 40 mph, and visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile or less for several hours. During the height of the blizzard, several roads were nearly impassable, or travel was not advised based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation web page.