Storm drops more than a half-foot of snow on parts of Minnesota
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Updated: 1:15 p.m.
Another week, another winter storm in Minnesota.
Parts of the state were digging out from more than a half-foot of snow Thursday, and winter storm warnings and advisories remained in effect across much of southern and eastern Minnesota through Thursday afternoon.
It's the sixth winter storm in seven weeks across the region. Ahead of this latest storm, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport had seen 49 inches of snow so far this winter — nearly twice the normal amount for this point in the season, and just a few inches from the average snowfall the Twin Cities sees for an entire winter.
The National Weather Service said as of noon Thursday the Twin Cities had surpassed the seasonal average of 51.2 inches — with a total of 52.1 inches at the airport so far this winter.
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Snow reports relayed by the National Weather Service as of late Thursday morning — with snow still falling in some locations — included 8 inches at Theilman, 7 inches in Owatonna and Millville, 6.6 inches in Byron, 6.4 inches in Rochester, 6.3 inches in Kasson, and 6 inches in Dodge Center, Goodview, Chatfield, St. Charles and Harmony.
Other snow reports included 5.7 inches in Faribault, 4.5 inches in Northfield, 4 inches in Rosemount, 3.8 inches in Mankato, 3.1 inches at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and 2.7 inches in Woodbury.
The heaviest snow has moved out of the state and lingering snow is forecast to wind down during the afternoon.
Find forecast updates on MPR Weather’s Updraft blog.
Roads and schools
The Minnesota Department of Transportation said highways across much of the state remained snow-covered Thursday afternoon — especially across southeast Minnesota, where authorities responded to numerous crashes and spinouts through the morning.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported more than 300 crashes and spinouts on state highways across Minnesota between 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
Some communities in southern and eastern Minnesota have declared snow emergencies in the wake of the latest round of snow.
That includes St. Paul, where snow emergency parking rules go into effect at 9 p.m. It’s the fifth snow emergency of the season in St. Paul. The city said it has canceled its separate initiative this week to clear old, compacted snow and ice from residential streets — so that crews can focus on clearing the latest snow from main streets.
Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park and Mankato also declared snow emergencies Thursday. Minneapolis has not, at last report.
Many school districts across the region delayed or canceled classes Thursday, or moved to online learning.
Rochester Public Schools said classes are canceled Thursday. Northfield, Owatonna and Faribault are among the districts that moved students to online learning.
Several other districts announced that classes would start two hours late, including St. James and Fairmont. Check with your local district for updates.
Links for more information
Here’s how to keep tabs on forecasts, travel conditions and flight updates.
Forecast updates
MPR News: Live weather blog and real-time radar
National Weather Service: Snowfall reports
Travel conditions
These state transportation departments offer live updates on road conditions and crashes:
For bus and light rail riders in the Twin Cities, Metro Transit offers weather-related updates on its Metro Transit and Metro Transit Alerts Twitter pages, as well as on its website.
Flight updates
If you’re planning to fly from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport or another airport around the region — or if you are expecting visitors to arrive by plane — airports offer flight status updates online:
Trail conditions
While a winter storm can cause trouble for travelers, it can be welcome news for skiers, snowmobilers and other winter activity enthusiasts.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers updates on cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions at state parks and along state trails around Minnesota.
The Minnesota Ski Areas Association posts updates on snow conditions at downhill ski and snowboard areas around the state.
The Loppet Foundation posts updates on cross-country ski trail conditions in Minneapolis.
SkinnySki.com shares cross-country ski trail updates from across the state.