An early-spring snowstorm wreaked havoc on parts of the area yesterday and this morning, and may continue to do so throughout today.

Some areas woke up to an accumulation of 7 to 11 inches of snow this morning.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to drift slowly east this morning, and snow is expected to end in the next few hours.

Snowfall totals are expected to be from 6 to 14 inches. A strong northeast to north wind is expected to continue over the region this morning and cause areas of blowing and drifting snow, especially along Interstate 90.

There were two non-injury crashes reported by the Albert Lea Police Department; crash information from the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office was unavailable as of press time.

Glenville-Emmons Public Schools, NRHEG School District and Alden-Conger Public School cancelled school today. Albert Lea Area Schools are on spring break this week.

The band of snow cut through the center of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, as well, with the southern metro area receiving heavy snow and the north virtually nothing.

The National Weather Service said an estimated 12 inches of snow fell on Savage by early evening Wednesday. Other reports include 9.5 inches of snow in Burnsville and 9 inches in Prior Lake.

The State Patrol is advising no unnecessary travel in south-central Minnesota. Heavy snow and high winds are expected to result in zero visibility at times.

Cities expected to see some of the heaviest snow accumulations include Rochester in southern Minnesota and La Crosse in Wisconsin.

Kari Lodahl said that although she does not like snow, she knows it is a part of where she lives.

“It’s what Minnesota is,” Lodahl said.

Look to the Tribune for more information as it is released.

 

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.