Minn. Schools Get Out Ahead Of Snowstorm, Cancel Classes
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) — School districts from the Twin Cities to St. Cloud are canceling classes in anticipation for a winter storm that could bring up to a foot of snow to the region.
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Anoka-Hennepin and St. Cloud are among school districts that are closed Monday because of dangerous road conditions expected later in the day.
Related: Latest School Closings
A mix of rain and sleet moved through the metro early this morning, creating a layer of ice that has caused slick roads and sidewalks. The transition to snow will happen across the Twin Cities this afternoon and intensify through the evening commute. Wind gusts up to 40 mph will make for poor visibility.
Like many Twin Cities communities, Waconia is bracing for the winter storm.
Roads west of the Twin Cities metro are slick, but in decent shape overall. Like just about everywhere else, schools in Waconia were closed ahead of the storm and there are a lot fewer cars on the roads than normal
Dagny Marxsen was loading up on the essentials: Water, ice melt and toilet paper, and wishing she had planned ahead.
"I am just out of everything. I should have gone after church yesterday," Marxsen said.
Morgan Reinhart, her mom and baby Kynle were out to pick up a few days' supply of baby formula.
"Just in case we get snowed in tomorrow," Reinhart said.
Kelly and Craig Moench weren't taking any chances either.
"For how long? Well I don't know we are hoping for not too long. We want spring to come," they said.
But not everyone in Waconia is feeling frazzled. Take it from middle school student Kieran Garrison.
"I am really happy because it has been the first snow day in like forever. It's been like two years," Garrison said.
So the kids, like just about everywhere else, are happy with the snow day. Travel is difficult as sidewalks, parking lots and roads all have slick icy spots that are difficult to see until you are on top of them. So even though the snow hasn't come yet, you need to be careful.
Snow will continue to be heavy through the evening, before lightening up overnight and into Tuesday morning. Six to nine inches of snow can be expected in the metro, with eight to 12 inches between St. Cloud and Brainerd.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Monday.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
