Power Outage in Marshall, MN

At the Automated Weather Observing System site KTKC at Tracy, late-night temperatures vaulted a quick 10 degrees into the lower 90s, while winds increased briefly to a gusty 52 mph. Large trees were downed with power outages reported in Tracy, and a semi-trailer was also blown over.

Blizzard conditions led to a shutdown of government offices and schools, and travel was not recommended with many roads closed due to the widespread whiteout conditions. Storm-total snowfall from 10 to 17 inches occurred, with 13.6 inches at Marshall and 11.0 inches at Ghent. With winds gusting at times from 40 to 55 mph, many areas had snow drifts of several feet, making roads impassable. Ice accumulation up to a tenth of an inch occurred, and helped to produce spotty power outages as snowfall and wind increased.

Heavy rainfall from 4 to 6 inches across the Redwood River basin near Marshall resulted in a rapid rise above flood stage by 0500CST, with a record crest at gage site MSHM5 of 17.41 feet at 0930CST. Numerous water rescues of stranded motorists were required around Marshall. Intermittent power outages occurred around Marshall, impacting the water and waste water treatment plants.

High winds from a westerly direction followed a low pressure system which had brought Christmas Day rain and thunderstorms. There were several reports of power lines and branches down and resulting power outages, and traffic lights and some signs were damaged. The winds included a peak gust of 74 mph at Marshall Airport.

Westerly winds behind a cold front reach sustained speed of 40 to 45 mph for several hours. A gust to 50 mph was measured at Marshall. The high winds caused spotty power line and traffic light damage.

Freezing rain produced ice accumulations, measured at one quarter inch at Marshall. The freezing rain was followed by 1 to 2 inches of snow, including 2 inches at Marshall. Strong northwest winds produced some drifting snow. Roads were made very icy, there was damage to power lines and resulting power outages, and school classes were cancelled.

Thunderstorm winds caused widespread tree damage, including numerous trees blown down. Several roads were blocked by fallen trees. Roofs and siding of several homes were damaged directly by the wind, and also by falling trees and wind blown tree debris. The winds also blew down power poles and lines, causing a power outage. The winds were accompanied by large hail.

Thunderstorm winds blew down trees and power lines, and blew over a truck.

Thunderstorm winds damaged several homes and at least one barn, including parts of roofs torn off and shingles blown away. The winds also caused widespread tree damage, including trees up to 2 1/2 feet in diameter snapped off. Additional damage was done to roofs and siding of homes and other structures by falling trees and tree debris. Several grain bins were destroyed. The winds blew down power poles and lines, causing a power outage.

Snow, beginning as rain and freezing rain, fell from just after noon on April 10th to the very early morning of April 11th. The snow accumulated 2 to 7 inches with the greatest accumulations over the western part of the county. The snow was accompanied by north winds averaging around 30 mph and gusting to 45 mph. This produced blizzard conditions, with zero visibilities and drifting snow making travel impossible. Schools and numerous businesses were forced to close. Power outages were reported as power lines fell from the weight of the wet snow and the strong winds.

New snowfall of 12 to 15 inches beginning early morning on March 1st and continuing into the night of March 2nd was accompanied by sustained winds of over 30 mph at times with gusts over 40 mph. The combination of new snow, wind, and an already existing fresh snow cover resulted in a blizzard with widespread near zero visibilities. Drifting snow with the storm helped make travel impossible to extremely difficult. As a result, some who did attempt to travel became stuck or slid off roads. Schools and school activities were cancelled and numerous businesses closed. Power outages were reported as the heavy snow and strong winds brought down power lines. Roofs on a few machine sheds and barns collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow in the area southwest of Marshall, with some damage to farm machinery resulting. The blizzard conditions abated early on the morning of March 3rd.|

Widespread freezing rain produced ice accumulations near or above a quarter inch on February 24th. The icing made travel extremely difficult. The precipitation changed to snow late on the 24th, with snow accumulating 7 to 11 inches before ending by early afternoon on February 25th. The snow accumulations on top of the ice made travel impossible in places. The combination also caused tree branches and a few power lines to break, producing scattered power outages. Some weekend school activities were cancelled, as were several Sunday church services.

Lightning struck the joint law enforcement center, knocking out power and damaging some equipment. Some communications were lost for several hours, but emergency service was not affected.

Freezing rain, producing up to a quarter inch of ice accumulation, was followed by 1 to 3 inches of snow. The combination made travel very hazardous; forcing the early closure of some schools and businesses. The accumulation of ice and snow on power lines contributed to power line damage and power outages which occurred when winds increased the night following the storm.

Northwest winds averaged 40 mph for several hours, and gusted at times to over 55 mph. A few power lines and poles were reported down.