Blizzard in Olmsted, Minnesota

The combination of falling snow and high winds led to a period of very low visibility during the afternoon and evening on December 18th. Snow accumulations were generally around an inch or less. Additionally, a peak wind gust of 58 mph was observed at a Rochester International Airport during this period.

A short duration but high impact winter system moved through the region on December 18th bringing very strong winds and snow to portions of southeast Minnesota. This resulted in a period of blizzard conditions as visibilities reduced below a quarter of a mile at times in combination with wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph during the afternoon. Numerous vehicle slide offs occurred in addition to two accidents in Mower County that resulted in non-life threatening injuries to two individuals.