Minnesota and Wisconsin schools shut during season’s biggest snowstorm

The most significant snowstorm of the season has prompted widespread school closings and delays across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

According to CBS News, school districts in both states announced closures as snow blanketed the region, making travel hazardous and forcing authorities to issue winter storm warnings.

Notable school closures include Brainerd Public Schools, Dassel-Cokato Public Schools, Hudson School District, River Falls School District, Stillwater Area Public Schools, and Saint Peter Public Schools, among others.

In addition to these closures, Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools have cancelled all after-school activities.

Winter storm warnings in effect
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for numerous areas across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

• Until 6 pm Thursday: Cities such as Ashby, Fargo, Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, and Breckenridge are under warnings.
• Until 12 am Friday: Areas including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Elk River, Cambridge, Shakopee, and St. Cloud remain on high alert.

The Twin Cities could see 3-6 inches of snow by Thursday afternoon, accompanied by wind gusts up to 40 mph, leading to dangerous conditions with blowing snow even after the snowfall subsides.

As per CBS News, snow emergencies have been declared in several cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Crystal, Plymouth, and Richfield. In Minneapolis, parking on snow emergency routes is prohibited until 8 a.m. Friday, while in St. Paul, night plow routes are off-limits until the same time.

Treacherous travel conditions
The storm has wreaked havoc on roads across the state. The Minnesota State Patrol reported:

• 453 crashes, with 38 injuries and one fatality.
• 281 vehicles sliding off roads.
• 37 jackknifed semis and over two dozen spinouts.

A school bus slid off Highway 100 near Brooklyn Center, although all students were safely transferred to another bus without injuries. Other incidents included a semi blocking an Interstate 494 ramp in Bloomington and a crash involving a car hitting a laundromat in Minneapolis.

Tim Boyer of the Minnesota State Patrol emphasized the strain on dispatch centers managing emergency calls. “It takes a great deal of patience, empathy, and multitasking ability to determine priorities in situations like this,” Boyer said.

Authorities have urged drivers to stay off the roads unless necessary and to consult MnDOT’s 511 map for real-time road conditions. Drivers involved in accidents should call 911 and remain in their vehicles until help arrives.