1985: A storm system with heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions visited the region on December 1st through 2nd. Most of the snow fell in Minnesota. Snowfall across Minnesota increased from the south during the early morning of December 1st and had spread across most of the state by late morning, Winds in the west central and southwest part of the state increased to 40 to 50 miles per hour, causing blizzard conditions. By late morning, drifts had reached 3 feet and snow plows were pulled off roads from the southwest into central Minnesota due to restricted visibilities. Strong winds continued through the evening, then gradually diminished during the morning of December 2nd. Strong winds and cold temperatures broke power lines and caused power outages over portions of southern and west central Minnesota during the afternoon of December 1st and the morning of December 2nd. Many highways were impassable and numerous businesses and schools were closed on the morning of December 2nd until residents could dig out. There were a few travelers that became stranded for up to 6 hours in their vehicles. Traffic accidents also accounted for a number of injuries and a few deaths. Further west, in South Dakota, strong winds gusted to around 40 mph and produced ground blizzard conditions over most of the state. The low visibilities, road conditions, and strong winds stranded a family for 25 hours south of Colome in Tripp County and another family for eight hours near Lee's Corner in Brule County. Many roads were blocked in the central and western parts of the state, and no travel was advised in the east. The blowing and drifting snow reduced visibilities to near zero and many accidents were reported. The strong winds, along with the previous day's snowfall, caused some damage, including the collapse of the roof of a large barn south of Bemis in Deuel County. Many church services were canceled on December 1, as were many schools on December 2. Temperatures became very cold during the morning of December 2 in the northwest part of the state. Camp Crook in Harding County reported a low of -36 F. Pierre had 2 inches of snow, Aberdeen, Castlewood, Clark, and Redfield had 3 inches, Bryant had 4 inches, Clear Lake, Milbank, and Wilmot had 8 inches. Timber Lake fell to -24F on the 2nd while Mclaughlin fell to -30F.

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