This weekend's winter storm wasn't the history-maker officials feared — at least in the Twin Cities — but dicey road conditions and blowing snow will still keep many students out of classrooms today.

The big picture: The storm dumped 8.8 inches at MSP Airport as of early this morning, but some southern suburbs saw more than a foot of snowfall in spots.

• Southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin got the worst of it, with multiple reports of 18+ inches in the Wabasha area.

State of the schools: St. Paul and Minneapolis lead a list of dozens of school districts that are either closed or holding e-learning days today.

• Yes, but: Many north metro schools are operating as normal today — including the state's largest district, Anoka-Hennepin.

What we're watching: When the snow will melt. Highs could spike into the 40s by Wednesday and the 50s by the weekend.

Reality check: Statistically speaking, we could be in store for even more.

• While our monthly snowfall total is pretty typical for March, we usually see a few more inches in April.

The bottom line: Don't put away your shovel just yet.

Flying solo this week? Book a table for one and let the bread basket keep you company.

State of the plates: Last month, we asked readers to share their takes and tips on solo dining, in light of new data showing it's on the rise.

• As usual, the answers were *chef's kiss.*

The big picture: "Your food can be savored and fully enjoyed without you having to focus on and converse with anyone," Solvay P. wrote. "Dining alone elevates your ability to appreciate all of the aromas and taste all of the flavors."

Zoom in: Here are some crowdsourced suggestions for making the most of your night out alone:

🍸 Pull up to the bar: A single seat can be easier to snag and a less intimidating option than a full table, whether or not you plan to imbibe.

• Dining at slightly off-peak times can also help you secure a solo seat — and get better service.

💬 Make a friend: "If your face isn't shoved into your phone, you usually end up striking up conversations with perfectly great strangers," said Heather L. If you're traveling, this can be a great way to source more recommendations.

• Not feeling chatty? A book or journal can make for a captivating companion.

Yes, but: Try not to use headphones as a crutch: "Listening to the ambiance will help you get comfortable with solo experiences out," Jada O. wrote.

🍰 Treat yourself: "Always get the dessert when dining alone," Jada added. "It will remind you of how much of a treat it is to have some alone time in this crazy world."

🤩 And finally, "86" those insecurities: James L., who travels frequently for work, admitted that his first few times out alone felt "awkward and weird." He's glad he got over it.

• "Other dining parties really don't care that you are alone — they are doing their own thing," James wrote. "Embrace the experience and soak up the ambiance — you may never be back, so who cares!"

More tips

If you do head out for a meal, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wants you to put that smartphone camera to work.

Driving the news: Speaking at a Minneapolis Regional Chamber event on Friday, the mayor made the case that patronizing and promoting local restaurants is one way people can help businesses recover from the economic impacts of Operation Metro Surge.

What he's saying: "You shouldn't just be going out to dinner. You shouldn't just be bringing somebody along with you. I also want you to tell people about it," he said.

• "Put it on social media, take those obnoxious pictures of your food. Show people the exquisite city that we've got here."

Zoom in: Frey's comments came during a "fireside chat" with Colonial Market and Restaurant owner Daniel Hernandez, whose East Lake Street business was hard hit by the surge.

• Hernandez said half of his employees stopped showing up out of fear when the ICE crackdown began. In January, three with work permits were detained.

Some of the tenants who rent space from him shut down. But temporarily closing his own store wasn't an option, as he had $21,000 in monthly overhead and had already mortgaged his house to invest in the business.

• For nearly two months, he allowed workers who were scared to leave their homes to sleep and shower in his building as needed.

The bottom line: Frey said Hernandez's story underscores the need for ongoing community support.

• "We've got to be loving our city out loud."

🚧 Westbound I-394 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 will be closed from 10pm to 5am through Wednesday morning, per MnDOT.

• Eastbound I-394 will also be reduced to one lane overnight Wednesday through Saturday.

🍃 The Minnesota House will vote today on a bill to delay in-state testing requirements for lower potency THC drinks and edibles. (Background via Axios)

• The change is meant to ease a backlog for full-strength cannabis products at state testing facilities.

🏡 A bipartisan group of lawmakers and affordable housing advocates are feeling hopeful that their "Yes to Homes" package of zoning reforms could pass this go-round. (Minnesota Reformer)

• The reason: The influential League of Minnesota Cities, which opposes the legislation, says it will no longer whip votes against it.

The Big Dance is coming to Williams Arena this weekend.

State of the brackets: The Gopher women's basketball team secured a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament last night — which earned them the right to host first- and second-round games at home.

When to watch: The Gophers will face 13th-seeded Green Bay at the Barn on Friday.

• A win earns them a date against either No. 5 Ole Miss or No. 12 Gonzaga.

If you go: Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10am.

Worth noting: Both University of St. Thomas basketball teams ultimately fell short of making the tournament in their first year of eligibility.