Blizzard — Faribault, Minnesota

2025-03-19 · Faribault, Minnesota

Event narrative

An estimated 1 to 10 inches of snow fell across the county with the highest amounts in the southeast portion. Frequent gusts over 35 mph and heavy snowfall rates resulted in several hours of 1/4 mile visibility or less. These conditions resulted in hazardous travel with law enforcement reporting whiteout conditions across the county.

Wider weather episode

A strong spring storm brought heavy snow and gusty winds Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. The worst conditions were confined to the I-90 corridor and southeast Minnesota, with snowfall rates approaching 1 to 2 inches per hour at times and frequent gusts over 35 mph.

Very dry air on the northwest edge of the system resulted in a razor sharp gradient in snow totals, with some counties experiencing both white out conditions and no snow over a small area.

Some of the highest snowfall amounts were:

9.5 inches in Bricelyn, MN (Faribault).

8.0 inches in Albert Lea, MN (Freeborn).

8.0 inches in Blue Earth, MN (Faribault).

6.0 inches in Wells, MN (Faribault).

4.4 inches in Ellendale, MN (Steele).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1245925. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.