Winter Weather — Morrison, Minnesota

2026-01-18 · Morrison, Minnesota

Event narrative

Strong winds gusting to 30 mph and scattered snow showers resulted in periodic reductions in visibility as low as 3/4 mile at times, though generally remained around 1 to 3 miles. The strongest winds were during the afternoon as snowfall became lighter.

Wider weather episode

Following a period of strong winds and light snow just the day prior, many locations saw a second cold front move through the region, producing gusty winds and light snow from the morning of the 18th through the morning of the 19th. Since there was little to no snowpack on the ground, any reductions in visibility depended on how heavy the falling snow was and how strong winds were. Conditions were generally worst in open, rural areas where the snowfall was able to blow around easier.

Winds gusted up to 45 mph in parts of western and southern Minnesota, and generally under an inch of snow fell across the region. Visibilities dropped to 1/4 mile in several locations, though it was often brief due to the showery nature of the snowfall. The snowfall was heaviest before the strongest winds developed, limiting overall impacts from this event.

The strongest measured wind gusts from January 18-19 were:

46 mph at KULM in New Ulm, MN.

45 mph at KBDH in Willmar, MN.

44 mph at KAXN in Alexandria, MN.

44 mph at KDXX in Madison, MN.

44 mph at KJYG in St James, MN.

43 mph at KMOX in Morris, MN.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1312699. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.