Mesoscale Discussion 2261
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0223 PM CST Thu Dec 18 2025
Areas affected...Southern Minnesota
Concerning...Blizzard
Valid 182023Z - 190030Z
SUMMARY...Patchy blizzard conditions are spreading southeast into
south-central Minnesota and may persist for several hours.
DISCUSSION...Recent surface observations from across south-central
MN have begun to report visibility reductions of 1/2 to 1/4 mile
under a swath of light snowfall. Traffic and snow plow cameras show
areas of substantial visibility reductions, estimated to be down to
1/10 mile at times. Widespread 40-60 mph wind gusts continue across
the region and will support similar visibility reductions under any
areas with even light snowfall rates. Recent high-res guidance
suggests that winds may peak over the next hour before gradually
diminishing through the evening hours; however, gusts between 30-45
mph will likely continue for the next several hours with a
continuation of light snowfall within the mid-level TROWAL region of
the maturing cyclone. As such, areas of transient blizzard
conditions will likely continue through early/mid-evening.