Blizzard — Mower, Minnesota

2025-12-18 · Mower, Minnesota

Event narrative

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 52 mph was observed at a Minnesota Department of Transportation Observing Station near Lyle. Two separate vehicle accidents occurred as this system was moving through resulting in two individuals receiving non-life threatening injuries.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1305101. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.