Heavy snowfall blankets central Minnesota

A band of heavy snow worked its way through central Minnesota today. More than eight inches has fallen in some spots.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Tom Hultquist said the heaviest snow has been confined to a fairly narrow band. "From Alexandria through Little Falls and St. Cloud, on over toward maybe Cambridge, so pretty consistent actual amounts through that entire corridor," he said.

Hultquist said driving conditions could deteriorate as the winds pick up later today. Just light snow is predicted for the northern and southern edges of Minnesota.

MnDot officials said crews have been plowing the streets since midnight to stay ahead of the snow. The snow is coming down the hardest in the central Minnesota region. Judy Jacobs with MnDot's Baxter office said some people are driving too fast for road conditions.

"Traffic along I-94 is moving slowly but they have slowed down and state patrols have reported quite a few cars in the ditch," Jacobs said. "And that's just because the roads are snow-covered now and covering up the icy patches so we do have slippery spots."

Jacobs said it's likely there will be blowing and drifting snow this evening, which will affect visibility. She advises people to drive slowly and with enough distance from vehicles and snow plows.

Gallery

Fullscreen SlideshowPrevious Slide

1 of 1

Next Slide