Winter Blizzards in Minnesota

As kids growing up in Minnesota, winter blizzards were cause for celebration.

Despite our reputation for cold and snow, Minnesota averages only one "real" winter blizzard per year.

There are many more days, however, that fall into the category of "winter storm" or elicit "winter weather advisories" from the National Weather Service.

We knew that a winter storm meant a "snow day" closing of school.These “bonus” holidays kept us from our studies but not from enjoying Minnesota winter activities.

Although snow is the main form of our winter precipitation, freezing rain, ice, sleet, and occasionally rain are all possible during Minnesota winter months. We are well known for our changing seasons and variable Minnesota weather.

Minnesota was pounded by a succession of winter blizzards in 1996-1997. Read about the most famous of our state's winter blizzards and storms. Many stories told by our parents and grandparents speak of severe winter weather of proportions many of us have never seen. It can be tempting to dismiss those stories as exaggerated however photos from those days prove the tales to be true. This photo shows a snowbound locomotive, photographed on March 29, 1881, in western Minnesota.

Blizzards in Minnesota typically occur between October and April, however, they occur with the most frequency from early November to the end of March. A deadly combination of low temperatures combined with blowing snow and poor visibility poses a real threat to anyone on the highway and roads. As well, anyone who is stranded without shelter is in a life-threatening situation.

During the winter months, Minnesotans are often urged to carry a winter survival kit in their vehicles. Drivers are also urged to brush up on winter driving safety tips.

During the winter months, school officials are kept up to date about the approach of a winter blizzard so students can be safely bussed home before the arrival of the storm.

Snowplows are often able to clear city streets within hours of the end of a winter blizzard. Rural areas, on the other hand, can find their roads blocked for days. This poses a great hardship on farmers and others who make their living by being out of doors.

Staying alert to winter weather forcasts and observing changing conditions are the best ways to protect yourself in the face of an approaching storm. Radio and TV stations in Minnesota do a wonderful job of keeping us aware of changing conditions. As well, you can find updated predicitons and conditions online.

We love the Minnesota winter season. The fun activities winter brings are not to be missed. A little education about what to expect and how to react will keep you safe as you head out to enjoy winter sports and activities.

Here is a page of winter weather infomation you and your children can check out: Winter Games, Stories, and Activities

Related Pages:

First Day of Winter

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter Survival Kit

Winter Weather Predicitons

Minnesota Winter Activities

List of Winter Sports

Minnesota Festivals: Winter

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

How to Ice Skate

Learning to Ice Skate

Cross Country Skiing Basics

Cross-Country Ski Trails

Snow Sledding in Minnesota

Snowmobiling Minnesota

Skijoring Minnesota

Dogsledding Tours

Snowshoe in Minnesota

How to Make Snowshoes

Minnesota Ice Fishing

The Diary of a Snow-Shoveler

Top Ten Good Things About a Minnesota Winter

You Know You're From Minnesota If...

Winter Poems

Christmas in Minnesota


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