On Wednesday, December 23rd, blizzard conditions were observed across much of Minnesota as an intense weather system moved from west to east through the region. It produced several inches of snow with rates as high as 1-2 inches per hour at times, with a bit of rain falling ahead of the snow which led to ice-covered roadways. Temperatures plummeted with strong winds gusting as high as 50-65 mph out of the northwest behind the low-pressure system. Temperatures reached as high as the mid-40s during the morning before bottoming out in the single digits above zero to near zero by midnight.
A robust mid to upper-level trough approaching the region continued to strengthen before closing off, with a surface response in the form of a deepening low-pressure system. This combined with incredible mid-level lapse rates to produce significant lift and widespread precipitation, with an intense pressure gradient resulting in strong winds as the system moved eastwards.
Winds intensified alongside bands of heavy snow during the afternoon, which resulted in widespread blizzard conditions as visibilities dropped below 1/4 mile across the region and remained low for several hours. Snowfall diminished during the evening and into early Thursday morning but winds remained strong enough to support blizzard conditions into mid-morning Thursday in some spots.
Some of the higher wind speeds and snowfall totals during this event included:
Redwood Falls AP, 68 MPH
Crystal AP, 66 MPH
Madison AP, 63 MPH
Montevideo AP, 62 MPH
5 miles south of Marietta, 62 MPH
Fairmont AP, 61 MPH
2 miles west of Clara City, 61 MPH
Appleton AP, 60 MPH
Winsted, 58 MPH
Benson AP, 58 MPH
Granite Falls AP, 58 MPH
Minneapolis-St. Paul AP, 58 MPH
2 miles west of Coon Rapids, 9.5 inches
4 miles southeast of East Bethel, 9.5 inches
2 miles west of Excelsior, 9.0 inches
2 miles southwest of Maple Grove, 9.0 inches
Cannon Falls, 9.0 inches
MSP International Airport,  8.8 inches
1 mile west of Carver, 8.4 inches
NWS Chanhassen, 8.2 inches
Impacts included significant slowdowns to air travel at airports across the region including MSP, ice and snow-covered roads that led to no travel orders and closed highways, and even National Guard rescues at the Governor's request. This was exacerbated due to the timing of the system falling on December 23rd, which is one of the busiest overall travel days of the year before the holidays.

Blizzard in GOODHUE, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 15:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly rain fell Wednesday morning and early afternoon across the county. As much colder air arrived during the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed a mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in WASHINGTON, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 13:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly rain fell Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived by the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed a mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in CHISAGO, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 12:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly a mixture of rain and sleet fell early Wednesday afternoon across the county. As much colder air arrived by the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in ISANTI, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the south part of the county. By mid to late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 35 to 40 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in KANABEC, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the south part of the county. By mid to late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 35 to 40 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in LAC QUI PARLE, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 09:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed Wednesday morning and continued into the afternoon. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts to 60 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in YELLOW MEDICINE, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 09:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed Wednesday morning and continued into the afternoon. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts to 60 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in STEVENS, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 09:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed Wednesday morning and continued into the afternoon. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts to 60 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in CHIPPEWA, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 09:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed Wednesday morning and continued into the early evening. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts to 60 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in SWIFT, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 09:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions developed Wednesday morning and continued into the early evening. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts to 60 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in DOUGLAS, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 09:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Blizzard conditions developed Wednesday morning and continued into the afternoon. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts to 50 to 55 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in POPE, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 09:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Blizzard conditions developed Wednesday morning and continued into the afternoon. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts to 50 to 55 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in REDWOOD, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 10:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Blizzard conditions developed late Wednesday morning and continued into the early evening. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts to 60 to 65 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county. The worst conditions were over the southwest part of the county.

Blizzard in RENVILLE, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 10:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Blizzard conditions developed late Wednesday morning and continued into the early evening. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts to 50 to 55 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in KANDIYOHI, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 10:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed late Wednesday morning and continued into the early evening. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts to 50 to 55 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 10:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed late Wednesday morning and continued into the early evening. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts to 50 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 10:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed Wednesday morning and continued into the late afternoon. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts to 45 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in MEEKER, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 10:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed late Wednesday morning and continued into the early evening. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts to 50 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 10:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard conditions developed late Wednesday morning and continued into the late afternoon. Sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts to 45 mph, combined with snowfall to cause whiteout conditions across the county.

Blizzard in BROWN, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the mid-late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 50 to 55 mph were frequently achieved by the late afternoon.

Blizzard in WATONWAN, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the mid-late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph were frequently achieved by the late afternoon.

Blizzard in MARTIN, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A mixture of rain and freezing rain developed around noon.  As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph were frequently achieved by the late afternoon.

Blizzard in FARIBAULT, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 13:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 120.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A mixture of rain and freezing rain started Wednesday afternoon across the county. As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.
Due to the ice, snow, and high winds, several jurisdictions lost electricity due to downed power poles and lines. Faribault County���s electrical infrastructure experienced significant damage. Estimated costs were around 120k.

Blizzard in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A mixture of rain, sleet, and freezing rain developed around noon.  As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in NICOLLET, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county.  As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the mid-late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in SIBLEY, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county.  As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the mid-late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in MCLEOD, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county.  As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the mid-late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the mid-late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in SHERBURNE, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county.  As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation to all snow. By the mid-late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in BENTON, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 10:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the southeast part of the county. By early to mid-afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in MILLE LACS, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the south part of the county. By mid to late afternoon, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Gusts of 35 to 40 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in HENNEPIN, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county.  As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. By the mid to late afternoon, strong winds developed and caused whiteout conditions. Gusts of 40 to 45 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event. The worst conditions occurred in the southwest part of the county where it is more open vs. the urban areas.

Blizzard in CARVER, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 11:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow started late Wednesday morning across the county.  As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. By the mid to late afternoon, strong winds developed and caused whiteout conditions. Gusts of 40 to 45 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event. The worst conditions occurred in the western part of the county where it is more open vs. the urban areas to the east.

Blizzard in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A mixture of rain and sleet started late Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. By the mid to late afternoon, strong winds developed and caused whiteout conditions. Gusts of 40 to 45 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in LE SUEUR, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A mixture of rain and freezing rain, started late Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. By the mid to late afternoon, strong winds developed and caused whiteout conditions. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the event.

Blizzard in FREEBORN, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A mixture of rain and sleet started Wednesday afternoon across the county. As much colder air arrived, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in STEELE, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 14:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly rain fell Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived by the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in WASECA, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 13:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly rain fell Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived by the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in RICE, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 14:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly rain fell Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived by the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in DAKOTA, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 14:30:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly rain fell Wednesday morning and early afternoon across the county. As much colder air arrived during the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed a mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in RAMSEY, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 13:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly rain fell Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived by the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed a mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.

Blizzard in ANOKA, MINNESOTA
From 23-DEC-20 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Mainly a mixture of rain and sleet fell Wednesday morning across the county. As much colder air arrived by the afternoon, temperatures dropped quickly which changed the mixture of precipitation over to snow. The snow became heavy by the late afternoon. By early evening, blizzard conditions developed and continued through the evening. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph were frequently achieved during the height of the storm.