Snowstorm of November 26-27, 2001 |
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| Large Waves at Canal Park in Duluth . Courtesy: Duluth Shipping News |
After nearly a month of balmy November weather a powerful,
slow-moving winter storm hit Minnesota. A swath of heavy
snow fell over central Minnesota. The heaviest snow was centered
around Willmar where 21.0 inches fell in a 24-hour period ending
at 8am on November 27th. A little snow on the 26th and additional
snow after 8am on the 27th brought the total to 30.4 inches.
The 21.0 inches was a single day snowfall record for Willmar, but
not the state. The state record is 36.0 inches set on January 7,1994
at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center near Finland.
30.4 inches for Willmar in a single storm event is a lot of snow,
but did not break the record for the state or Willmar. The state
record remains 46.5 inches also set at Wolf Ridge on January 6-8, 1994.
And the Willmar single storm total record remains 30.7 inches
from November 29 - December 2, 1985. The storm also brought strong winds
to the Duluth Harbor. A peak wind gust of 52 mph was observed at the
lift bridge and estimated 10 foot waves were observed. The Lakewalk
along in canal park was damaged
by waves and driftwood crashing up on shore.
Another interesting phenomena with this storm was that lightning was
observed during the falling snow on the evening of November 26th
in the Twin Cities. While the storm was severe in parts of the
state and brought rush hour to a crawl, it brought needed moisture
to most of Minnesota. Winter sports fans also seemed to welcome
the winter wonderland scene. The map above depicts the snowdepth
on Thursday, November 29th, 2001. For the National Weather Service
snowstorm depth reports see the link below.
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For details on National Weather Service Statements
and other information on the storm, click on the links below.
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mcwg@soils.umn.edu |
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