Central Minnesota Experienced Its First Major Snowstorm of the Season

On Thursday, December 19, snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches fell in the St. Cloud region.

The National Weather Service has issued a snow storm warning that is effective until midnight Thursday. Later in the day, winds are expected to gust to 40 mph.

A NEXT Drive Alert was also issued on Thursday, in the middle of the most severe blizzard of the season, resulting in catastrophic road conditions in the Twin Cities and around Minnesota.

Between midnight and 12:30 p.m., the Minnesota State Patrol reported 254 crashes, 22 of which resulted in injuries; 110 vehicles drove off state roadways; 17 jackknifed semis; and a dozen spinouts.

Significant snowstorm strikes Eastern Wisconsin

Meanwhile, Metro Transit said that as of 1 p.m., around 38% of bus routes were experiencing delays, with an average wait time of more than a quarter-hour.

"There are currently no weather-related Northstar or light rail delays, and no routes are on snow reroute," the organization stated on Thursday morning.

If you can work from home, this is the day to stay put. If you are involved in an accident, stay in your car until emergency responders arrive. It is also advisable to maintain a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.

More to explore: December to Remember Event Was Cancelled Due to the Weather