Once again a winter storm has struck Montevideo and the surrounding region, blanketing Minnesota and neighboring states with a fresh mantle of snow.
The slow-moving system swept into the region last week, causing hazardous travel conditions and prompting the Minnesota Department of Transportation to advise no travel Monday night because of snow-packed and icy roads.
Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories were in effect for west central Minnesota from Sunday until 9 a.m. Tuesday. The greatest snow depths were north and east of here in an area from Alexandria and Morris to Willmar and Litchfield and continuing to the Mankato, Albert Lea and Fairmont areas. As of Monday night Renville had received 9.5 inches and Willmar 9 inches.
The worst of the snowfall bypassed Montevideo and the area to the south and west. Montevideo received only 4 inches of snow from Feb. 6-9, according to Dwight Mulder, National Weather Service observer in Montevideo.
“The whole thing started on Feb. 2,” said Mulder. Since Feb. 1, Montevideo has received a total of 8 inches of snow, which melts down to .78 inches of liquid, according to Mulder.
As of Tuesday morning, Montevideo had 14 inches of snow on the ground. According to Mulder, a core sample he took for the NWS Feb. 6 indicated 3.2 inches of liquid in the snowpack. This was .05 inches less than the Saturday before.
The city of Montevideo declared a snow emergency beginning at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, and another Tuesday morning. No cars were to be parked on avenues until they were plowed to their full width, and no cars were allowed on streets after 8 a.m. until they were also plowed to their full width.
All area schools canceled classes Monday. Most, including Montevideo, Lac qui Parle Valley, Dawson-Boyd and MACCRAY began two hours late Tuesday, with some providing bus service on plowed roads only.
Montevideo students will make up some of the lost time May 21, which was to have been an early dismissal day but is now a full day of school for students. Staff will have make-up days June 8 and 9.
