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After avoiding any major snow throughout the rest of the winter, residents are digging out after a storm dumped more than 7 inches of snow on the area. 

According to snowfall totals reported to the National Weather Service, Clarks Grove received 7 inches of snow, Albert Lea received 8, Wells received 10, Ellendale 10.2 and 10.9 in Minnesota Lake. 

Snowfall and high winds led to the cancellations of schools and many businesses, as well as the closure of Interstate 90 west of Albert Lea at Interstate 35. 

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to assist the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office in emergency response, declaring a peacetime emergency. He said the National Guard would assist in providing personnel, equipment, facilities and resources necessary to respond to the severe weather and rescue stranded motorists.

“Minnesota is no stranger to winter weather, but conditions can quickly become unpredictable and dangerous,” Walz said in the news release. “As we work to alleviate the dangerous road conditions, the National Guard is stepping up to provide life-saving support.”

An emergency shelter was also set up at the National Guard Armory on Prospect Avenue in Albert Lea for those needing a place to stay during the blizzard. 

As of Wednesday evening, much of the city of Albert Lea appeared to be plowed and residents could be seen outside clearing their driveways and sidewalks. 

The highest snowfall totals from the event were measured in Lakeville with 12 inches and Dennison with 13. Much of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area received 9 to 12 inches.