A Powerful Storm Carried Dirt From Texas Where Mixed With Snow In Minnesota
By Bill Galluccio
April 12, 2019
People living in Minnesota are no strangers to April blizzards, but a recent snow storm left them scratching their heads. As the major storm system buried parts of the central United States in snow, many residents were concerned when the usually pristine white snow had a strange brown-colored tint.
People shared photos on social media of the dirty snow and wondered if it was safe.
Top inch or snow this morning is reddish brown, like bits of frozen iced tea are mixed in. Top soil mixed in with frozen rain?
Top inch or snow this morning is reddish brown, like bits of frozen iced tea are mixed in. Top soil mixed in with frozen rain? pic.twitter.com/zrp5ws2YPc
— NT Moore (@ntmoore) April 11, 2019
Anybody else concerned about the brown snow/rain the fell today? Do you know what’s going on @Matt_Brickman? pic.twitter.com/hkAJ95Jksb
— Erik Hansen (@erik3815) April 11, 2019
Wonder why the snow is poopy brown? Ask @LauraBetker for the fascinating explaination. @kare11 #mnwx #KARE11Weather pic.twitter.com/OmjhYDh0iM
— Nikki Muehlhausen (@NikkiKARE11) April 11, 2019
It turns out the snow was mixed with dirt that came from Texas and New Mexico. According to the National Weather Service, the massive storm picked up the dirt and blew it thousands of miles north where it mixed with the snow before finally falling to the ground.
Officials say while the snow may look dirty, it is harmless, though they don't recommend trying to eat it.
Have you noticed a tan or orange tint to the snow this morning? If so, the color is likely due to dust that was blown by high winds all the way from west Texas. Here's a satellite image from yesterday showing the blowing dust in west Texas heading NE. #mnwx #wiwx #txwx pic.twitter.com/RIlauFnE3g
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) April 11, 2019