The Twin Cities metro area experienced a significant snowstorm in March, leading to the largest snowfall of the season. Minneapolis, among other cities, received a substantial amount of snow, impacting travel and daily life. This article breaks down the snow totals and provides an overview of the storm’s effects.
Minneapolis Snowfall Totals
Downtown Minneapolis officially recorded 7 inches of snow during the March snowstorm. However, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP Airport) recorded 9.5 inches of snow, marking the largest snowfall of the season.
Across the broader Twin Cities metro area, snow totals varied significantly. Many areas reported over 7 inches of snow. Here’s a detailed list of snow totals in various locations:
- Dennison: 13 inches
- Lakeville: 12 inches
- Elko New Market: 11.5 inches
- Apple Valley: 11.1 inches
- Eagan: 10.5 inches
- Ellendale: 10.2 inches
- Northfield: 10 inches
- Woodbury: 10 inches
- Prior Lake: 9.5 inches
- MSP Airport: 9.5 inches
- Owatonna: 9 inches
- Shoreview: 9 inches
- Inver Grove Heights: 9 inches
- Stillwater: 9 inches
- South St. Paul: 8.7 inches
- Oakdale: 8.5 inches
- Bloomington: 8.5 inches
- Nye, Wisconsin: 8.5 inches
- Rosemount: 8.5 inches
- Burnsville: 8.2 inches
- New Brighton: 8.2 inches
- St. Anthony: 8 inches
- Savage: 8 inches
- Hastings: 8 inches
- River Falls, Wisconsin: 8 inches
- Downtown St. Paul: 8 inches
- Edina: 8 inches
- Albert Lea: 8 inches
- Hugo: 7.8 inches
- Eden Prairie: 7.8 inches
- White Bear Lake: 7.5 inches
- Mankato: 7.5 inches
- Chanhassen: 7.4 inches
- Fridley: 7.3 inches
- Richfield: 7.2 inches
- Cottage Grove: 7.2 inches
- Downtown Minneapolis: 7 inches
- Amery, Wisconsin: 6.8 inches
- Lino Lakes: 6.6 inches
- Chisago City: 6.5 inches
- Victoria: 6.1 inches
- Roseville: 6 inches
- Coon Rapids: 5.6 inches
- Blaine: 5.6 inches
- Menomonie: 5 inches
- North Branch: 4.7 inches
- Robbinsdale: 4.6 inches
- Anoka: 4.5 inches
- Plymouth: 4.2 inches
- Corcoran: 4 inches
- Long Lake: 4 inches
- Rochester: 3.5 inches
- Oak Grove: 3 inches
- Glencoe: 2.7 inches
- Monticello: 2.5 inches
- Marshall: 2.5 inches
- Sherburne: 2.2 inches
- Champlin: 2.1 inches
- Maple Lake: 2 inches
- Dassel: 1.8 inches
- St. Cloud: 0.8 inches
- Little Falls: 0.5 inches
Impact of the Snowstorm
The snowstorm created hazardous conditions for commuters. Wind gusts upwards of 40 mph in the Twin Cities contributed to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
A winter storm warning was in effect for the Twin Cities and much of western Wisconsin. Most of southern Minnesota was under a blizzard warning.
Many schools across Minnesota and Wisconsin were closed or delayed due to the weather conditions.
Weather Forecast Following the Storm
After the heavy snow, the weather was expected to turn sunny, but windy conditions persisted. Temperatures were expected to drop Wednesday night, leading to a cold and quiet Thursday with a high of around 36 degrees. The increasing sunlight in March was anticipated to help melt the snow.
Conclusion
The March snowstorm brought significant snowfall to Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, with downtown recording 7 inches and MSP Airport recording 9.5 inches. The storm disrupted travel, closed schools, and prompted weather warnings. As the cleanup process continued, residents looked forward to sunny skies and melting snow.
