Minnesota's Holiday Snowstorm: A Look at the Numbers

Heavy Snowfall and Hazardous Conditions

Minnesota experienced a significant snowstorm over the weekend, leading to dangerous driving conditions and widespread disruptions.

Snowfall Totals

• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: 5.8 inches
• Chanhassen: 5.6 inches
• Brainerd: 3.5 inches Eau Claire, Wisconsin: 8.5 inches

Community Reports

• Rochester: 4 inches
• Burnsville: 7 inches
• Maple Grove: 6.2 inches
• Fargo-Moorhead: 4.5 inches
• Duluth: 2.1 inches

Impact on Daily Life

• Snow Emergencies: Declared in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, and Osseo.
• School Closures: Many schools were closed or delayed on Monday.

Road Conditions

• Metro Area Roads: Heavily covered in snow.
• Travel Advisory: Avoid travel in central and southern Minnesota.
• Interstate 35: Closed between Albert Lea and the Iowa border due to whiteout conditions.

Accidents and Emergencies

• Crashes: Nearly 400 reported between Sunday night and Monday morning.
• Injuries: 31 crashes involved injuries.
• Gov. Tim Walz: Declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the National Guard for emergency winter storm operations in southern Minnesota.

Conclusion

This storm caused significant disruptions and highlighted the importance of staying safe and following authorities' advice during severe weather events.