Blizzard — West Otter Tail, Minnesota

2026-01-18 · West Otter Tail, Minnesota

Event narrative

Frequent whiteout conditions at KFFM AWOS at Fergus Falls, MN during the afternoon and intermittent whiteout conditions into the evening. Winds were frequently gusting 35 to 42 mph.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1316851. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.