National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >

Heavy snow developed across the region Friday evening, including thunder and lightning in some places. The snow continued overnight Friday and as east winds increased, blowing and drifting started to become a problem by daybreak Saturday.  In addition, an area of sleet and freezing rain pelted mainly southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa through the morning on Saturday leading to a layer of glaze from 1/8" to as much as an inch.  By late Saturday afternoon, the freezing rain and sleet changed back to all snow and started to accumulate again as east winds continued to increase.  Blizzard like conditions were common Saturday night and travel was difficult to dangerous in many areas with winds of 25 to 40 mph with isolated gusts reported to 45 mph. Winds subsided Sunday morning. Snow continued Sunday, however up to 3 more inches fell by Monday morning across much of the region.
 
This was the largest snowfall EVER in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

 

Public impacts over the weekend:

Northeast Iowa: Widespread power outages and tree damage from icing. Many power outages were still reported Monday, especially in the rural areas...roads still had downed power lines across them. Thousands of power poles were downed. Water to cattle is becoming an increasing concern. Travel was dangerous or impossible this weekend.
Mississippi River and northeast: Crippling snow amounts with winds causing 4 to 5 foot drifts. Many schools closed Monday. Travel dangerous or impossible. Power outages were isolated.
Southeast Minnesota: Combination of heavy snow totals along the Mississippi River, and further west ice accumulations and snow, closed roads and produced power outages. Travel dangerous or impossible.

 

Were You, or Those You Know, Prepared?  
If not, NOAA Weather Radios and the NWS websites will help. Spread the word!!
 
Winter Storm Summary Winter Storm Forecast
Summary of the Winter Storm Our Weekend Forecast:
Posted 3 pm Friday Feb 23
 

Detailed Warning Statement from
Friday Feb 23 at 1224 pm.

   
   
Detailed Storm Amount Listings:  
3-day Storm Total Snowfall      Graphic
Storm Total Ice Accumulation  
Snowfall: 24-hours Ending Saturday Morning Graphic
Snowfall: 24-hours Ending Sunday Morning Graphic

Images from the storm - (click on link below to see picture)