The Twin Cities brace for second round of historic snow storm
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Forecasted snow totales in the Twin Citeis. Credit: Weatherbell.com
A second wave of the historic winter storm is threatening to wallop the Twin Cities with an additional 10 to 15 inches of snow by Thursday morning.
State of play: The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of "life-threatening" conditions due to heavy snow and strong winds, with the Winter Storm Severity Index indicating "extreme" impacts, Axios Generates' Andrew Freedman reports.
- If the higher estimates come through, the storm could rank in the top five snowfalls in state history.
What to expect: Two waves, per NWS. The first, which started Tuesday afternoon, brought 3.5 inches of snow to the Twin Cities metro by Wednesday morning.
- Though the sun came out early Wednesday, the storm's second round this afternoon could dump an additional 10 to 15 inches by Thursday, NWS warned.
- Travel could be "impossible" Wednesday night into Thursday morning, the agency warns.
What to know: State and local officials are already taking steps to prepare for the storm.
- Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency, authorizing the National Guard to step in and help stuck drivers once the storm begins. More than 800 snow plows and 1,600 drivers across the state are on standby, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said.
- Minneapolis and St. Paul are opening up thousands of parking spots to the public for free to get cars off the street for easier plowing.
- MSP Airport reported more than 350 flight cancellations as of Wednesday morning, and some major airlines are issuing weather waivers for flights departing from MSP Airport.
- Minneapolis and St. Paul plan to call parking snow emergencies, effective Wednesday night. St. Paul has delayed garbage service until this weekend or next week depending on your route.
What's happening: The state Legislature suspended all business Wednesday and Thursday to allow lawmakers to travel home.
- Saint Paul Public Schools went to e-learning on Wednesday and Thursday and will have a snow day on Friday.
- Minneapolis Public Schools switched to e-learning Wednesday through Friday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.