A late-winter storm brought significant snowfall to Minnesota this week, with some areas receiving over 30 inches of snow. The heaviest accumulation was recorded in Hovland, a town on the north shore of Lake Superior, which saw 34 inches by midnight Wednesday, according to NEXT Weather Meteorologist Chris Shaffer. The substantial snowfall caused hazardous travel conditions and prompted school closures and a snow emergency in St. Paul.
The storm, which followed a brief respite from winter weather over the weekend, impacted a wide swath of the state. Grand Marais reported 15.6 inches of snow, even as Two Harbors measured 18 inches. Further south, the Twin Cities also experienced significant snowfall, with Chanhassen receiving 6.5 inches and St. Louis Park accumulating 4.5 inches. Coon Rapids, in the northern part of the metro area, saw 1.4 inches.
Dangerous Road Conditions and Travel Impacts
The heavy snowfall created treacherous conditions for drivers across Minnesota. Between 5 p.m. Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the Minnesota State Patrol responded to approximately 220 vehicle crashes statewide, tragically including one fatality. Sixteen of those crashes resulted in injuries, and another 188 vehicles left the roadway. Authorities also reported 13 jackknifed semi-trucks, further disrupting travel.
The impact extended beyond major highways. WCCO’s Weather Watcher Network reported varying snowfall totals across the Twin Cities metro area, with Edina receiving 7.5 inches, Mound accumulating 6.5 inches, and Excelsior seeing 6.3 inches. Owatonna and Lino Lakes experienced lesser amounts, with 2.5 inches and half an inch, respectively.
School Closures and Municipal Responses
The severe weather led to widespread school closures and delays throughout the state. Numerous school districts opted to cancel classes or implement late starts on Thursday to ensure student safety. The city of St. Paul declared a snow emergency, activating parking restrictions and snow removal operations to clear roadways.
Looking Ahead: Another System on the Horizon
While the current system is expected to taper off, another weather system is forecast to move through the region later Thursday evening. This next storm is anticipated to primarily impact southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and is currently expected to largely bypass the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Residents in those areas should stay informed about potential weather updates and prepare for possible impacts.
The recent snowfall serves as a reminder of the potential for severe winter weather in Minnesota, even as the calendar turns toward spring. Motorists are urged to exercise caution while driving, and residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service and local news sources.
The city of St. Paul’s snow emergency remains in effect, and details regarding parking restrictions can be found on the city’s website: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/public-works/snow.
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