The Twin Cities metro area just got hit by a significant snowstorm that dropped several inches of snow from Tuesday into Wednesday morning. This heavy snowfall has already led several local cities to announce formal snow emergencies.
The heaviest part of the storm, the bulk of the snow, actually finished up around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. We did get a bit more—another half-inch to an inch—that fell overnight. There might be a tiny bit more snow, just a light dusting, possibly until about 10 or 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning before it completely stops.
If you look at the total snowfall, areas that are located north of Interstate 94 generally saw the highest amounts, picking up between 5 and 8 inches of snow over Tuesday and early Wednesday. Other parts of the greater Twin Cities metro area received slightly less, typically accumulating around 4 to 5 inches.
When a city declares a snow emergency, it means they are putting special rules in place, mainly for street parking, to make sure plows can clear the roads efficiently and safely. Residents in those areas need to pay close attention to where they park their cars to avoid getting towed or fined. If you live in one of the cities listed below, you absolutely must check your local city’s official website for the specific parking regulations that apply during this emergency.
As a result of the substantial snowfall, several cities have already taken the step of declaring official snow emergencies. These cities include:
Belle Plaine
Brooklyn Park
Eden Prairie
New Hope
West St. Paul
What about the two largest cities? As of 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Minneapolis and St. Paul had not yet announced their own snow emergencies. However, given the amount of snow that fell, it is common for them to follow suit shortly after a major storm like this. Residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul should be prepared for the possibility of a snow emergency declaration soon and should keep checking their city’s official communication channels for updates.
This is a dynamic situation, meaning things can change quickly as city officials assess the roads and prepare for cleanup. If you live or work in the Twin Cities area, you should continue to monitor local news and official city websites throughout the day for the latest information on emergency declarations, road conditions, and any changes to school schedules or travel advisories. The next few days will be focused on clearing the roads and recovering from the impact of this latest winter storm.
