Tuesday snow proving to be first real commute-buster of season
Snow in Burnsville, Minnesota. Photo courtesy of FOX 9 Meteorologist Cody Matz. (FOX 9)
(FOX 9) - At least an inch of snow has fallen in the Twin Cities so far Tuesday, with more flakes coming down.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport recorded 1.0 inches of snow as of noon while the National Weather Service office in Chanhassen saw 1.8. The highest snow total so far appears to be in Elko New Market, which had received 4.5 inches by approximately 1:15 p.m.
Snowflakes 101
FOX 9 Meteorologist Cody Matz explains how snowflakes go from grainy, sputtering flakes to the larger, fluffier flakes we think of when we think of snow.
Tuesday morning’s snow was the first real commute-buster snow of the season.
The flurries made highways and side streets slick as drivers tried to get around the metro in the morning. The Minnesota State Patrol reported 234 crashes, 44 spinouts, and three jackknifed semis between 5 a.m. and noon on Tuesday. Twenty-two of the crashes resulted in injuries and one was fatal.
The State Patrol is advising drivers to leave early, slow down, increase driving distance between vehicles, and to put all distractions away.
Some school districts are warning families of potential late drop-offs due to the snow. The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district, District 196, said buses are expected to leave on time, but may be delayed in dropping off students.
Snow totals
- Elko New Market: 4.5 inches
- Farmington: 3.6 inches
- Carver: 3.0 inches
- Savage: 3.0 inches
- Inver Grove Heights: 2.5 inches
- Bloomington: 2.0 inches
- Chanhassen: 1.8 inches
- Maple Plain: 1.2 inches
- MSP Airport: 1.0 inches
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