Blizzard in West Marshall, Minnesota

Visibilities continuously below one quarter mile in falling snow and blowing snow, with winds frequently gusting 40 to 56 mph reported by mesonet site MN168 at Warren, MN.

A strong upper trough moved across the Northern Plains and into northwest Minnesota, bringing strong winds, light snow, and blizzard conditions. The initial area of light snow ended during the early morning of January 18 as a strong cold front moved into the region. Post frontal snow showers along with strong winds behind the front contributed to widespread whiteout conditions primarily across northeast North Dakota and the Red River Valley of northwest Minnesota. Strongest wind gusts were 50 to 57 mph. A no travel advised was issued by MNDOT in far northwest Minnesota due to whiteout conditions.