2000: Winds of Hell

Two weeks ago, 65 mph winds blasted across Minnesota. The storm brought downed trees and delays at the airport, but that seems trivial when you consider the 1940 blizzard that swept through the Midwest on November 11, 1940. The storm was dubbed "the Winds of Hell."

The blizzard snuck up on unsuspecting duck hunters along the Mississippi. The hunters would account for about half of the 49 storm-related deaths that day.

To say the storm caught people off guard is, at best, an understatement. The day began with temperatures in the 60's and plunged 40 degrees in 24 hours. Close to 27 inches of snow fell in Collegeville, while nearly 17 inches were reported in the Twin Cities. Wilmar streets were lined with 20 foot snow drifts.

Check out the Updraft post by Minnesota Public Radio meteorologist, Paul Huttner, to find out more about the blizzard. He explains why this week in November, in particular, has the potential to bring more severe weather to the state.

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