ACUS11 KWNS 181510
SWOMCD
SPC MCD 181509
MNZ000-SDZ000-NDZ000-182015-

Mesoscale Discussion 2259
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0909 AM CST Thu Dec 18 2025

Areas affected...The Eastern Dakotas into west and northwest
Minnesota

Concerning...Blizzard

Valid 181509Z - 182015Z

SUMMARY...Blizzard conditions are expected to continue across parts
of the eastern Dakotas and into parts of west/northwest MN through
early/mid afternoon.

DISCUSSION...Latest surface observations and web cams from southeast
SD northward through the Red River Valley of the north show
widespread visibility reductions to 1/4 mile or less with some areas experiencing white out conditions - especially across northeast ND
into northwest MN where moderate to heavy snowfall rates are
contributing to the visibility reductions under a developing snow
band. Heading through the afternoon, the strongest push of low-level
cold advection should migrate from the eastern Dakotas into southern MN/northern IA. Although the heaviest snowfall will likely shift
eastward into northern MN through the day, light snow and persistent
strong northerly winds will continue to support blizzard conditions
through the Red River Valley through at least mid-afternoon and
possibly until around 00z. Further south/southeast, the antecedent
snow pack is not as widespread compared to locations further north,
but a combination of light to moderate snowfall and intense surface
winds (gusting between 40-50 mph) will likely contribute to areas of
blizzard conditions into west/southwest MN.

..Moore.. 12/18/2025

ATTN...WFO...MPX...FGF...FSD...ABR...BIS...

LAT...LON 45379439 44949441 44709454 44459491 44249551 44169600
44199677 44309723 44579749 45039785 45599814 45949836
46839890 48129916 48699904 48959878 49069819 49059675
49029527 48549520 47799538 47109550 46189521 45379439

$$
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: Capitol City Online (618:250/1)

ACUS11 KWNS 181449
SWOMCD
SPC MCD 181448
MNZ000-SDZ000-NDZ000-181945-

Mesoscale Discussion 0027
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0848 AM CST Sun Jan 18 2026

Areas affected...Eastern North Dakota...northeast South
Dakota...northwest Minnesota

Concerning...Blizzard

Valid 181448Z - 181945Z

SUMMARY...Ground blizzard conditions are expected to become more
widespread through late morning/early afternoon across eastern North
Dakota, northwest Minnesota, and far northeast South Dakota.

DISCUSSION...14z surface observations show northerly winds beginning
to increase to 25-35 mph across northeast ND and far northwest MN as
a very cold (-5 to 5 F) air mass begins to push southward into the
Red River Valley of the North. Based on current wind speeds,
temperatures, and the condition of the existing snow pack (per NORSC
analyses), blowing snow model output suggests that visibility
reductions to 1/4 mile or less should become increasingly common,
especially in open country. This is supported by recent web/plow
cams across the region that depict somewhat reduced visibility
within towns/sheltered areas but significant reductions in open
country. Reflectivity data from upstream radars in southern Manitoba
are also depicting light reflectivity streamers often indicative of
plumes of blowing snow which likely correlate with the most
significant visibility reductions.

These conditions should become more widespread through the late
morning and early afternoon as the arctic air mass continues to
surge south - especially as wind speeds increase into the 30-35 mph
range, which should correlate with scattered to widespread ground
blizzard conditions per blowing snow model output. Similar wind
speeds were observed yesterday and resulted in sustained 1/4 to 1/2
mile visibility reductions, so confidence is high in ground blizzard
impacts, even into areas immediately south of the existing snow pack.

..Moore.. 01/18/2026

ATTN...WFO...MPX...FGF...ABR...BIS...

LAT...LON 49030012 49079652 48979623 45859548 45419566 45229614
45139680 45139734 45389788 48450071 48850087 49030070
49030012

$$
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: Capitol City Online (618:250/1)