Residents of Minnesota experienced a fleeting glimpse of spring last weekend, yet this respite was short-lived, as a blizzard struck sections of the Twin Cities and northern Minnesota on Wednesday afternoon.
Significant snowfall accumulations were observed in the northern regions. By midnight, Grand Marais recorded 15.6 inches, Two Harbors received 18 inches, and Hovland was buried under 34 inches, as confirmed by NEXT Weather Meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Steady snowfall on Wednesday created hazardous conditions during the evening rush hour. The Minnesota State Patrol reported roughly 220 vehicular accidents statewide between 5 p.m. Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. Thursday, including one fatal collision. Sixteen of these incidents led to injuries, with an additional 188 vehicles sliding off state roadways and 13 semi-trucks reported as jackknifed.
Within the Twin Cities, the heaviest snowfall was primarily concentrated in the southern and western metropolitan areas. The National Weather Service indicated Chanhassen received 6.5 inches and St. Louis Park experienced 4.5 inches of snow. Meanwhile, Coon Rapids in the northern metro recorded 1.4 inches.
WCCO 
Data from WCCO’s Weather Watcher Network showed Edina received 7.5 inches, Mound 6.5 inches, and Excelsior 6.3 inches. Further south, Owatonna logged 2.5 inches, while Lino Lakes barely got half an inch.
The snowfall led numerous educational institutions statewide to either close or postpone classes on Thursday. Additionally, the city of St. Paul officially announced a snow emergency.
Scattered light flurries are expected to gradually diminish throughout the day, though a subsequent weather system is anticipated later this evening. This upcoming storm is projected to impact southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin primarily, likely bypassing most of the metropolitan area.