Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News
Paul Huttner

Mega Blizzard rages, 2014 Minnesota tornado season opens in March

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The crazy weather year of 2014 just got crazier.

A major Mega Blizzard rages into early Tuesday from the Dakotas into the Red River Valley and northwest Minnesota. The same system has produced the first tornadoes of the year in Minnesota, in March.

The culprit? A wrapped up, wound up major late winter/early spring storm. The system showed a classic comma shaped signature from space, and was producing both tornadoes and a blizzard at the same time.

331 anatomy
Image: NOAA via College of Dupage

This cool wind map shows the impressive circulation around the low pressure center as it worked into southwest Minnesota.

331 wind map
http://hint.fm/wind/

Last year the first tornado touched down in May. Two years ago it was March 19th.

Blizzard rages north

The Grand Forks NWS reported thundersnow with zero visibility and snowfall totals over 10 inches in many areas, and as much as 20 inches possible by early Tuesday.

331 tweet
331 tsnow
Grand Forks NWS

Get the latest totals and conditions from the Grand Forks NWS.

331 blizz
Blizzard conditions near grand Forks. NDOT

Quiet mid-week. Next storm Thursday?

We get a colder but nice respite the next 48 hours. The next storm winds up Thursday and Friday, and could bring more snow to Minnesota. This one seems to be tracking further south. It's too early to credibly say where the heavy snow bands will fall. The Euro suggests the metro could get whacked. The GFS keeps the storm further south.