Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. 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!!


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)

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Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

The Weekend Blizzard - Ice Storm of February 23-26, 2007