/usr/web/www.marshallindependent.com/wp-content/themes/coreV2/single.php
×

Winter returns to state

From wire and staff reports

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Winter returned to Wisconsin and Minnesota in a big way after a stretch of spring-like temperatures with more than a foot of snow creating dangerous travel conditions Friday, according to forecasters.

A blizzard warning was issued for southern Minnesota with a winter storm warning in western Wisconsin. Accumulating snow and strong winds were creating low visibility and dangerous travel conditions. Gusty winds of 35 to 45 mph led to whiteout conditions on rural roads.

Although the storm skipped the Marshall area, cooler temperatures returned. Temperatures fell to the mid-20s Friday during the day, according to Weather.com. The high today is expected to reach 36, with partly cloudy skies. A low of 24 is expected tonight.

The boys basketball game against Waseca scheduled to be played at Marshall High School Friday was postponed due to the weather conditions.

More than a foot of snow had fallen in southern Minnesota’s Blue Earth County by Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service, with 9 inches in western Wisconsin’s Eau Claire County.

Many students in both states enjoyed a day off from classes, including Mankato, Winona and Rochester in Minnesota and Sparta, Menomonie and Chippewa Falls in Wisconsin. Several college and universities also closed for the day.

Organizers of the American Birkebeiner ski race in northwestern Wisconsin have canceled today’s event, after the snow missed that area. Organizers of the cross-country race near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, say record high temperatures and recent rain have made the Birkie course unsafe. It’s only the second time that the race has been canceled.

Forecasters expected additional snow through Friday night. The heavy snow missed the Twin Cities in Minnesota and the Milwaukee metro area in Wisconsin.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today