The Twin Cities has seen snow during nearly every month of the year. The snowiest months here in the Twin Cities area are December and January. These two snowiest months will typically yield a foot of snow in a normal winter. Our storms generally move up from the south bringing a combination of loads of Gulf of Mexico moisture and energy. This warm and moist air combines with our cold air and typically brings us our biggest snowstorms. Our area will also get some snow from so-called "Clipper" storms. Clipper storms swing south from Canada and generally can bring a few inches to several inches of a light and fluffy snow the area, followed by very cold Arctic air.

If you are curious about the 10 biggest snowstorms ever recorded here in the Twin Cities (1884-2018), here is a list compiled by the Minnesota State Climatologist:

28.4 inches: Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, 1991

21.1 inches: Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, 1985

20.0 inches: Jan. 22-23, 1982

17.4 inches: Jan. 20-21, 1982

17.1 inches: Dec. 10-11, 2010

16.8 inches: Nov. 11-13, 1940

16.7 inches: March 3-4, 1985

16.7 inches: March 11-14, 1940 (tie)

16.5 inches: Dec. 27-28, 1982

16.0 inches: Jan. 20-21, 1917

16.0 inches: March 8-9, 1999 (tie)

Preparing for extreme cold is critical for survival in what is often an understated danger during winter. If you are stranded or fall into icy water during extreme cold conditions, your risk for hypothermia increases and can become an absolute medical emergency. Every second to get warm and out of the cold counts.

Remember Dec. 28, 2019? That ice storm last year caused 500 car crashes, many injuries, and even two deaths. While ice storms are not as common in Minnesota as much of New England, the Twin Cities does typically have three to four days with freezing rain (not ice storms, but freezing rain) a year (according to 1948-2000 data). I have included a graphic from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center showing the average number of days per year with freezing rain across the continental US between 1948-2000. As snow falls and melts in a warmer layer closer to the surface, it turns back to rain. When the ground is below freezing, this rain can freeze as ice upon reaching the ground. The image below is from the National Weather Service (NWS) showing this process. Sleet accumulations can also make for slippery/icy surfaces.





Black ice is a glaze (or thin sheet) of ice that forms on surfaces including pavement. The thin nature of these sheets of ice, renders them virtually impossible to spot, particularly when driving. Black ice can form in several ways including rain or snow melt freezing when temperatures fall below freezing, fog in place followed by temperatures falling below freezing, and or from car exhaust condensing on the roadway. Black ice can be more common past sunset, overnight into the early morning hours and in shaded areas on the road or sidewalk. Bridges and overpasses are especially susceptible to ice accumulation and or black ice, as they freeze first.

Snow squalls are short and intense bursts of winter weather, often associated with strong cold fronts. Although snow accumulations might not be significant, the combination of gusting winds, falling temperatures and suddenly-reduced visibility can create dangerous conditions.

Most snow squall warnings are likely to be issued in areas near the Great Lakes. Warmer water from the lake enhances snowfall and can create intense snow/whiteouts on roads near the lake while a few miles inland, the sun could be out. The amount of snow to fall in a snow squall can be any amount, but the main issue for a snow squall is whiteout visibility. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the most likely areas to see snow squalls will be near Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

It is helpful to have an emergency kit with some basic supplies in the event of significant winter weather. Then, you can personalize the kit to your and your family's specific needs. Here are some tips in case an emergency arrives:

Blankets - Bring enough for everyone to stay warm

Food - At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Water - One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

Flashlight

Extra batteries

Portable charger

Local map

Heat source (ex. lighter)

First aid kit

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Source of communication, such as a phone and radio

Personal documents

Medication

Money

Personal hygiene items

Maintain your kit to ensure it is up-to-date. Regularly check expiration dates on food and store it in air-tight containers. Make sure to accommodate all family members' needs, including those of pets.

It's important to have all this in a grab-and-go container. Have this kit located somewhere where the whole family can easily access it. Have one located in the house, at work, and in the car.