Snow-covered Thursday as Minnesotans woke up to a blanket of deep blankets. An intense winter storm system in that snow dumped heavy falls, leaving everything disturbed. Many schools closed or held classes early while some others made their ways impassable.
Snow Blanketed Entire State
The storm began overnight, covering highways, streets, and sidewalks with snow. Early reports consisted of crashes, spinouts, and poor driving conditions. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reported snow-covering roads, especially in southwest and Twin Cities areas.
The various school districts took precautions. The majority of schools closed classes entirely. Others opted for online lessons or delayed openings. With this measure, students got to stay safe as conditions worsened.
School Closures Across Minnesota
Hundreds of schools closed down in Minnesota. Brainerd, Fergus Falls, and Little Falls were some of the first school districts to declare closings. Other school districts such as Hutchinson, Waconia, and Stillwater followed. Western Wisconsin schools such as Hudson and River Falls also closed. It cuts across urban and rural school districts.
Here is a list of some school districts that remained closed.
Brainerd
- Fergus Falls
- Hutchinson
- Little Falls
- Glencoe-Silver Lake
- Pelican Rapids
- Stillwater
- Waconia
These closures enabled families and teachers to ensure safety without risking dangerous commutes.
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E-Learning Days Implemented
Several schools went online. Some districts such as Eden Valley-Watkins, Willmar, and Benson implemented e-learning days. This helped minimize the loss of instruction time while the students were at home.
Affected students of the respective schools followed virtual classes through online tools. Though not perfect, this was a practical alternative during extreme weather.
Some of the prominent districts having e-learning days were:
- Benson
- Willmar
- Eden Valley-Watkins
- Red Lake Falls
- Paynesville
These districts responded within a short span to keep studies from being affected by the snowstorm.
Travel Conditions Deteriorate
The snowstorm left travel conditions dangerous in Minnesota. There were numerous reports of accidents on several highways, including Interstate 94. MnDOT crews worked hard plowing and salting the major roads. Still, the roads remained slippery and hazardous.
On Thursday in the Twin Cities metro area, Metro Transit reported that one-third of their bus routes operated late. Officials said that travel times were longer and traffic was crawling through much of the morning.
Travel long distances; drive slowly: That is how people were asked to keep themselves safe after the strong storm system knocked out much of the Northland.
Minnesotans Weather Forecast
In many areas, snowfall totals were expected to reach 5 to 7 inches. Higher amounts were possible in localized spots.
Regions under winter storm warnings included:
- Red River Valley
- Brainerd
- Duluth
- Twin Cities
Areas north and south of these regions faced winter weather advisories. Snowfall in these zones ranged from 3 to 5 inches.
The storm was to taper by evening, but blowing and drifting winds and below-freezing temperatures should be in place for traveling during the day.
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Public Transit and Air Travel
There were dramatic delays experienced by those who would depend on public transportation. The Metro Transit had an update page of changes and delays to riders through its website and social media.
Air travelers were not exempt from the storm. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport had delayed and canceled flights. Travelers were advised to check on flight status updates before traveling to the airport.
Safety First
Authorities urged residents to prioritize safety. Driving during a winter storm poses significant risks. Officials advised avoiding unnecessary travel, keeping emergency kits in vehicles, and dressing warmly when outdoors.
Conclusion
As much as Minnesota is the same case, a big winter storm brought lots of interruptions in schools all over. Many turned out to be centers where online classes were done, school opening was rescheduled, and even school openings were rescheduled due to slippery roads. Schools, family units, and transportation stakeholders all ensured their safe participation in whatever activities there were.
As much as Minnesota stays in its heavy snow environment, its residents must know how to stay aware.
