Winter in Minnesota is a season of beauty and challenge, with heavy snowfalls, icy roads, and the occasional winter storm that can disrupt daily life. Whether you’re planning your commute, checking if your child’s school is open, or just curious about how much snow has accumulated outside your door, staying informed is key. This guide will walk you through the best ways to find accurate snow totals near me, monitor school closings mn today, track mn road conditions, and prepare for winter storms in the North Star State.
How to Find Accurate Snow Totals Near Me in Minnesota
When you’re asking, “What are the snow totals near me?” in Minnesota, it’s important to rely on trusted sources for real-time, localized data. Snowfall can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next—even within the Twin Cities metro area—so generic statewide reports may not reflect your specific location.
Top sources for snow totals near me and snow totals mn include:
- Kare 11 Weather: The Kare 11 weather team maintains an interactive snow map that lets you enter your zip code or city to view current snow accumulations. Their reporters also share on-the-ground updates from across Minnesota, including Minneapolis weather and rural areas.
- WCCO Weather: WCCO’s weather segment provides hourly snow total updates for cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, as well as regional summaries for snow totals mn. Their website features a live snowfall tracker that refreshes every 10 minutes during active storms.
- National Weather Service (NWS) Twin Cities: The NWS office in Chanhassen issues official snowfall reports for the entire state. Their website includes detailed maps of snow totals near me, broken down by county, and historical data for comparison.
These sources are updated frequently during winter storms, so checking them multiple times a day can help you stay ahead of changing conditions.
Staying Updated on School Closings MN Today & Minnesota School Closings
Winter weather often leads to school delays or closures, and knowing school closings mn today can save you from a wasted trip to the bus stop. Minnesota school districts prioritize student safety, so they typically announce closures by 5:30 AM on the day of the storm.
Where to find school closings mn and Minnesota school closings:
- District Websites: Most school districts in Minnesota post closures directly on their official websites. For example, Minneapolis Public Schools updates its homepage with delays or closures within hours of a winter storm alert.
- Kare 11 School Closings Page: Kare 11 maintains a dedicated page for school closings mn today, sorted by district name. You can also sign up for email alerts to get notifications straight to your inbox.
- WCCO School Closings: WCCO’s website and mobile app feature a searchable database of Minnesota school closings, including both public and private schools. Their morning news broadcasts also scroll closure lists at the bottom of the screen.
- Local News Apps: Apps like Kare 11 and WCCO send push notifications for school closings mn, so you can get updates even when you’re on the go.
Monitoring MN Road Conditions & Minnesota Road Conditions
Icy roads and heavy snow can make commuting dangerous, so checking mn road conditions before you leave home is essential. Minnesota’s Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and local news outlets provide real-time updates to help you plan safe travel.
Best ways to track mn road conditions and Minnesota road conditions:
- MnDOT 511: The MnDOT 511 system is the gold standard for mn road conditions. You can access it via the website (511mn.org), mobile app, or by calling 511. The system shows real-time traffic, snow plow locations, and closure information for minnesota road conditions, including highways and local roads.
- Kare 11 Road Conditions: Kare 11 weather segments include regular updates on mn roads, highlighting trouble spots like bridges, overpasses, and rural highways. Their reporters often ride along with snow plow drivers to give viewers an inside look at how roads are being cleared.
- WCCO Road Reports: WCCO’s weather team provides detailed mn road conditions updates during morning and evening commutes. They also feature a live map on their website that shows icy patches and snow-covered roads across the state.
Preparing for Winter Storms in Minnesota
Winter storms in Minnesota can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare before a winter storm alert is issued. A winter storm can bring heavy snow, strong winds, and subzero temperatures, so having a plan in place is critical.
Tips for preparing for a winter storm:
- Stock Up on Essentials: Keep a supply of non-perishable food, water, batteries, and a first-aid kit at home. If you rely on medication, make sure you have enough to last several days.
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Install winter tires, check your battery, and keep a winter emergency kit in your car (including a blanket, flashlight, and ice scraper).
- Stay Informed: Sign up for winter storm alerts from the NWS, Kare 11, or WCCO. These alerts will notify you when a winter storm is approaching, so you can take action early.
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel: If a winter storm warning is issued, stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. MnDOT often advises against travel during severe storms to keep both drivers and plow operators safe.
Trusted Weather Sources in Minnesota
When it comes to Minnesota weather, there are two names that stand out: Kare 11 and WCCO. Both stations have been serving the state for decades, and their weather teams are known for their accuracy and reliability.
Kare 11: Based in Minneapolis, Kare 11 covers everything from Minneapolis weather to rural Minnesota conditions. Their kare 11 weather team uses state-of-the-art radar to track snowfall in real time, and their reporters are always on the ground during winter storms to provide live updates. Whether you’re looking for snow totals near me, school closings mn, or mn road conditions, Kare 11 has you covered.
WCCO: As one of Minnesota’s oldest news stations, WCCO has built a reputation for trusted weather coverage. Their wcco weather team provides detailed forecasts for the entire state, including snow totals mn and winter storm alerts. WCCO’s website and app also feature interactive tools like a snowfall tracker and road condition map, making it easy to stay informed no matter where you are in Minnesota.
Conclusion
Staying informed during Minnesota’s winter months is essential for safety and peace of mind. Whether you’re checking snow totals near me, verifying school closings mn today, or monitoring mn road conditions, relying on trusted sources like Kare 11, WCCO, and MnDOT 511 will ensure you have the most accurate information available. By preparing ahead for winter storms and staying updated on the latest alerts, you can navigate Minnesota’s winter weather with confidence. Remember: when in doubt, check multiple sources and prioritize safety above all else. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s winter—from the comfort of your home, if possible!