Blizzard in Henry, Illinois

Snowfall reports ranged from 5.0 inches from the COOP Observer in Geneseo to 5.9 inches from a trained spotter in Green River. Area automated weather instruments show several hours of observations with visibilities between 1/2sm and 1sm from the 1th into the morning hours of the 16th along with wind gusts of 45 to 55 MPH.

A large storm system moved across the Midwest March 15 to the 16th, initially bringing rain and thunderstorms to the area on the morning of the 15th. This storm system intensified rapidly into the evening drawing much colder air into the region. This resulted in widespread snow across the area with strong west with frequent gusts of 40 to 55 MPH. many area airports reported visibilities as low a half a mile with several of a quarter of a mile or less for several hours. Local news reported that most areas schools were closed and several Department of Transportation districts reported snow covered road ways.