Not quite living up to the 1991 Halloween snowstorm in which 2-3 feet of snow feel in parts of the state. Still the 2″ snowfall on October 31st was impressive considering the 80 degree temperature two days prior.
Video courtesy Paul Klissas
The spring sports season is supposed to get rocking next week…but a winter that won’t go away has all athletes and coaches wondering when they will even be able to get outside to practice.
An enormous, powerful, and deadly winter storm overtook much of Minnesota December 22-24. An abundant and powdery snowfall ending on Thursday December 22, 2022, set the stage for a long-lasting and brutally cold regional ground blizzard. The virtually impossible conditions on nearly all exposed roads in between cities and towns severely impeded holiday travel.
The region received 5″-9″ inches of snowfall, followed by 40+ mph winds with subzero temperatures lasting several days.
Photos taken 12/26
Visibility west of Sleepy Eye Thursday evening
Across Sleepy Eye Lake
Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed most of Minnesota Thursday July 29, producing a noticeable smoke odor, reducing visibility and causing danger air quality. Sensors in St. Cloud registered the highest level of airborne particles ever recorded in the state at 422 micrograms per cubic meter.
An Easter Day snowstorm had minimal effect on the community as most people were already stranded at home due to the COVID-19 Stay Home Governor’s Order.
Hail or Sleet? Friday morning a thunderstorm warning was issued for Sleepy Eye. It produced what meteorologist call graupel (soft hail or snow pellets), leaving a layer over sidewalks and streets.
By Friday afternoon, the winds had picked up, sending “tumbleweed” rolling and geese and ducks hanging tough in a small area of open water on Sleepy Eye Lake. The factor missing was the snow to create the blizzard conditions…that came Saturday after raining on and off during the night.
Noon Saturday
Noon Saturday
5 p.m. Saturday
Highways were once again open Sunday morning but as of 11 a.m. travel was still not advised.
Local residents began the clean up Sunday despite the snow still falling.
Snow Totals
Snow Totals
Spring just does seem to want to come this year. Cold temperatures and an 8″ snowfall on March 24 already had the community white. Add another several inches of new wet snow followed by a drop in the thermometer has Sleepy Eye and a good part of the state reeling again.
The calendar says April 3 but reports earlier this week still had over 20″ of ice on Sleepy Eye. The annual Easter Egg Hunt was moved to the Event Center due to snow cover at Allison Park. Spring high school sports teams have yet to begin competing, many of the participants not even having the opportunity to practice outdoors. And, the way things looks today, coupled with a single digit temperature expected tonight and only near freezing temperatures predicted for the next week….it’s going to be while!
Sleepy Eye Schools Parking lot.
Hwy 4 / Burnside St.
Sleepy Eye Lake
Summit St. SW
