The Great Pre-Christmas White-Out of 2020
Well that was fun, in an existential-threat kind of way. Every storm is uniquely and annoyingly different. They are never identical. On a good week we can give 2-5 days notice of a major weather event. Sadly, there are few good weeks.
Wednesday's storm had been predicted since last weekend, but as the event drew nearer weather models became more impressive with amounts and impact from winds and drifting. Ice was a curve, which not only kept a layer of dangerous glaze under the snow, but may have helped to cut down snowfall totals a bit. A rapid drop in temperature turned on a savage wind machine. The result: a rare "crippling" snowstorm for much of Minnesota. An old fashioned, knock-down, drag-out blizzard with winds gusting over 60 mph at times.
We are sliding into a colder, snowier pattern in general and another major storm is possible the latter half of next week. Meanwhile sub-freezing temperatures linger into next week - good news for snow lovers who want to play in fresh powder.
Winds ease up tomorrow - you may want to wait a day to clear your driveway or sidewalk.
2020 has robbed us of so many things: people we love, our jobs and more.
One thing it won't take. A white Christmas.
Yes, It Was a Blizzard. Snowfall amounts were less than expected, but there was more ice and a lot more wind than predicted. The result was impassable highways across much of Minnesota late Wednesday and with any luck (and less wind, blowing and drifting) MnDOT crews will start to open up roads during the day today. For the latest conditions click here.
