Imagine waking up to a winter wonderland, only to realize it’s a full-blown blizzard that’s turned your commute into a treacherous adventure. That’s exactly what happened to Minnesotans over the holiday weekend, as a powerful winter storm unleashed its fury across the state. But here’s where it gets even more intense: the snowfall totals are staggering, and the aftermath is far from over. Let’s dive into the details.
By WCCO Staff
December 29, 2025 / 6:58 AM CST / CBS Minnesota
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The storm, which hit hard on Sunday https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/live-updates/next-weather-major-winter-storm-dec-28-2025/, dumped heavy snow across Minnesota, creating hazardous conditions on roads and highways. WCCO promptly issued a NEXT Weather Alert and a NEXT Drive Alert, urging residents to stay cautious.
As of 6:45 a.m., the National Weather Service reported that Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport received 5.8 inches of snow—enough to disrupt travel and daily routines. Nearby Chanhassen wasn’t far behind with 5.6 inches, while Brainerd saw 3.5 inches. But the real standout was Eau Claire, Wisconsin, which was buried under a whopping 8.5 inches of snow. And this is the part most people miss: these totals are just the beginning. WCCO’s Weather Watcher Network shared even more eye-opening figures from across the state:
- Rochester: 4 inches
- Burnsville: 7 inches
- Maple Grove: 6.2 inches
- Fargo-Moorhead: 4.5 inches
- Duluth: 2.1 inches
Several metro areas, including Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, and Osseo, declared snow emergencies, while many schools opted for closures or delays on Monday https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/school-closings/. Here’s where it gets controversial: despite the warnings, road conditions remained perilous on Monday https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-road-conditions-dec-29-2025/, with blowing snow and icy patches making travel risky. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against non-essential travel across much of central and southern Minnesota, as most metro roads were at least partially covered.
Interstate 35, a major artery, remained closed between Albert Lea and the Iowa border due to whiteout conditions—a stark reminder of the storm’s impact. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we prepared enough for such extreme weather events? Between 12 a.m. Sunday and 5:30 a.m. Monday, the Minnesota State Patrol reported nearly 400 crashes, with 31 resulting in injuries. This raises concerns about emergency response and public safety during severe weather.
Governor Tim Walz took swift action, declaring a peacetime emergency and deploying the National Guard to assist with winter storm operations in southern Minnesota. This move highlights the severity of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts to keep residents safe.
As we dig out from this holiday blizzard, it’s worth reflecting on how we handle such events. Are our infrastructure and emergency plans robust enough? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think we’re doing enough to prepare for extreme weather, or is there room for improvement?
For more updates on the snow storm and snowfall totals, visit: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/tag/snow-storm/ and https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/tag/snow-totals/.
