Blizzard — Cottonwood, Minnesota

2026-01-16 to 2026-01-17 · Cottonwood, Minnesota

Event narrative

Persistent northwest winds gusted as high as 35 to 44 mph with periods of very light snowfall, which contributed to a prolonged reduction in visibility to one-quarter mile or less. Travel was not recommended by the evening of January 16.

Wider weather episode

Northwest winds surged behind a strong arctic cold front which moved across the region early on January 16. Winds persisted into the midday on January 17, with occasional gusts as high as 35 to 50 mph. Areas of light snowfall generally on the order of a dusting to an inch fell before and concurrent with the strong winds, and locations mainly near Highway 71 experienced considerable time with visibility near or below one quarter mile with travel not recommended in areas surrounding Windom.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1314078. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.