When many people think of Minnesota, they picture snow storms and ice. That’s understandable. For part of the year at least, Minnesota can experience significant snowfall. From St. Paul to Albertville, you need a warm jacket and sturdy boots. You also need to get your home ready for when harsh weather hits. Here are some legendary Minnesota storms from the past along with tips on how to prepare your home for future winter storms.
Winter Storms from Minnesota History
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there have been some wild and intense winter storms over the years. Whether you consider yourself a die-hard winter fan, or are more of an admirer from afar, these five powerful Minnesota winter storms will leave you marveling at Mother Nature’s power.
Halloween Blizzard: October 31 – November 3, 1991
The Halloween Blizzard of 1991 was an major event that people still talk about today. It began on October 31 and lasted until November 3, when an amazing 28 inches of snow accumulated in some areas. If you lived in the Minnesota during this time, you may recall just how unprecedented this storm was. Cities took emergency measures to prepare for the blizzard and work together to mitigate damages once it had passed. Airports closed down for multiple days and public transportation systems were completely halted.
Thanksgiving Snow Storm: November 29 – December 1, 1985
On the holiday weekend of November 29 to December 1 in 1985, Minnesota was hit with a massive snow storm. Nearly 20 inches of snow fell in the area during this time, blanketing entire cities and paralyzing roadways. The blizzard-like conditions made it impossible for people to venture out – cars were buried shoulder-deep while airports and schools completely closed, leaving thousands stranded with no way out until the storm cleared.
“Domebuster”: December 10 – 11, 2010
The Twin Cities saw the fifth highest storm total snowfall on record in its entire history dating all the way back to 1891, accumulating 17.1 inches of snow in only 24 hours. The significant weight from the new-fallen snow was too much for the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome’s roof to handle, eventually causing it collapse. Minnesotans in the area rushed out to help shovel what ended up being approximately five million pounds of snow from the dome’s roof and around its entrances.
Thunder Blizzard: April 13 – 16, 2018
It’s hard to believe that it can still snow in spring, but it does happen. In 2018, a spring snow storm dropped over 15 inches of snow in Minnesota. That’s a lot of snow for any time of year, let alone spring. Thankfully, these storms are relatively rare. So, if you’re ever wondering why it’s still cold in spring, there’s a chance a spring snow storm might be to blame.
The Big Mess: January 2 – 5, 2023
The start of the 2023 year created big problems for the state of Minnesota, as an intense blend of 14 inches snow, freezing rain, sleet, rain and thunderstorms swept through the area. It resulted in a big mess that caused hazardous conditions on the roads and power outages in certain regions. While it created a challenge for those who had to go out in such conditions, it also brought unique beauty as thousands of icicles of varying sizes began to hang from tree branches after the storm had passed.
Getting Your House Ready for a Snow Storm
All this talk about snow probably makes you want to get your family and home ready. How you prepare is key to weathering a snow storm safely and comfortably. It’s always smart to make sure you have emergency supplies stored, such as food, liquids, flashlights and blankets on hand. You also want to make sure to get the outside of your home ready before the storm hits.
Make sure your attic has enough insulation and ventilation.
It’s important to consider attic insulation and ventilation when protecting your home from winter weather. Without enough of both, it can result in ice dams forming on your roof which can threaten the integrity of your roof, attic space, and overall house structure. Proper attic insulation helps keep excess heat from melting snow that then refreezes, leading to a buildup of dams. Adequate attic ventilation, meanwhile, helps regulate attic temperatures and airflow for a more balanced atmosphere. Both are necessary to maintain a safe roof during the winter season.
Cover your windows.
To help keep your home warm during a snow storm, it’s important to cover your windows. This can be done with heavy curtains or blinds, or even by taped-up newspapers or blankets. Doing this will help to insulate your home and keep the heat from escaping.
Protect your pipes.
Frozen pipes are a common problem during winter weather, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them. Insulate any exposed pipes, and let a trickle of water run from your faucets during the storm to keep them from freezing.
Cut tree branches close to your house.
One of the most important steps is to cut tree branches that are close to your home. Without doing this, strong winter winds could push these branches onto your roof, windows or siding, resulting in costly winter storm damage. It’s always a good idea to inspect nearby trees before winter and trim any branches that may be too close to your house. Doing so could save you significant time and money in repairs later on.
Keep gutters free of clogs.
Clogged gutters can be a huge issue in winter weather. As temperatures begin to drop and snowfall increases, clogged gutters can prevent melting snow from draining properly or cause water to accumulate on the roof and freeze, leading to flooding and other costly damage. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep your gutters free of clogs by frequently removing debris such as fallen leaves or branches that may clog it.
Minnesota Exteriors can help you get your home ready for winter weather.
If you have questions about getting your home exterior ready for snow storms or if a blizzard has already hit and left you with storm damage contact us for a free, no hassle, no obligation, storm damage inspection. Our company has served Minnesotans for 70 years. We’re very familiar with what a Minnesota winter can bring. Whether you need roofing, siding, gutters, windows or insulation, we’re a knowledgeable, trusted source. A third-generation, family-owned company, we want to make sure your family is warm and comfortable all winter long.