School districts delay start, go online or cancel as winter storm brings snowy, windy conditions

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Dozens of Minnesota school districts delayed the start of classes Wednesday, as a winter storm continued to cause difficult travel across the region.

In addition to the late starts, a handful of school districts moved to online learning Wednesday, or canceled classes, in the wake of the heavy snow and gusty winds. Find a 

listing of school delays and cancellations below

The snow — mixed with sleet and freezing rain at times — moved across the state during the day Tuesday. A particularly intense band of snow swept into the Twin Cities during the afternoon commute, causing headaches for drivers heading home from work or school.

The Minnesota State Patrol reported more than 400 crashes and spinouts on state highways between noon and 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Minnesota Department of Transportation continued to report icy roads across most of the state as of Wednesday morning.

While the snow caused stress for some drivers, it was another reason to celebrate for winter sports enthusiasts — and for Minnesota businesses that depend on winter weather. It’s been a cold and snowy start to the season, compared to some recent mild winters.

The heaviest snow fell in a swath from northwest Minnesota to Brainerd and Little Falls, and southeast toward Cambridge and Hinckley. The National Weather Service received reports of 8 inches of snow near Thief River Falls and Gonvick, and 7.5 inches at Warren. 

Other snow reports included 7 inches near Motley and Willow River, 5.9 inches in Woodbury, 4.5 inches at Detroit Lakes and St. Cloud, and 3.4 inches at the Twin Cities airport.

Light snow continued overnight and into Wednesday morning — along with strong winds that gusted in excess of 50 mph in parts of western and southern Minnesota. The National Weather Service had warned that those winds — combined with the fresh snow — could cause blizzard conditions at times. 

Much colder air will filter into the region for the rest of the week. Find forecast updates on the 

School districts starting 2 hours late on Wednesday, Dec. 10

Check with your local district for specific start times

School districts moving to online learning on Wednesday, Dec. 10

School districts closed on Wednesday, Dec. 10

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 

Is there is snow emergency in effect for St. Paul or Minneapolis? Find out on the 

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:

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Andrew Krueger

Author

Dozens of Minnesota school districts delayed the start of classes Wednesday, as a winter storm continued to cause difficult travel across the region.


Kerem Yücel | MPR News

Two snow plows drive down a residential street during a snow storm.

Minnesota school districts delay start of classes as winter storm brings heavy snow, gusty winds

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