Over 50 MPH Winds Cause Whiteout Conditions in Region

Wind gusts of over 50 mph created whiteout conditions in open areas near Rochester Thursday afternoon and night. Numerous traffic crashes were reported as motorists found themselves dealing with snow and ice covered roads and near-zero visibility on roads throughout southern Minnesota. The National Weather Service included the Rochester area in a blizzard warning through 3 AM Friday and the Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against any travel in southeastern Minnesota until travel conditions improve. In southeastern Minnesota, the blizzard warning covers Olmsted, Goodhue, Dodge, Mower, and Fillmore counties.

The storm system responsible for the nasty travel conditions only dropped an inch or two of snow on the region, but the wind gusts reported to the National Weather Service have been impressive. There was a 51-mph gust recorded at the Mayo One helipad at St. Mary’s Hospital, while the Rochester Airport recorded a 46-mph gust.