Blizzard — Benton, Minnesota

1996-01-17 to 1996-01-18 · Benton, Minnesota

Wider weather episode

A major winter storm brought blizzard conditions with significant snowfall to western and central Minnesota. Snowfall reached a foot or more in Little Falls, Melrose, Alexandria and Staples with 6 to 11 inches in St. Cloud, Benson and Canby. Wind gusts to 60 mph on the 18th also resulted in dangerous wind chills of 70 below to western Minnesota. Many schools and businesses were closed on the 18th. Near Blizzard conditions were found as far south as Fairmont despite significantly less snowfall. Highway 14 from New Ulm to Sleepy Eye was closed for a time due to drifting snow. One man left his car after hitting a snowbank, and became lost in the whiteout conditions. His body was found a week later about 3/4 mile away from his vehicle and about 2 miles north of the town of Foley.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5538403. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.