Winter Storm Brings School Closures, Dozens of Crashes and Difficult Travel Conditions to Minnesota

Messy & Fast-Moving Winter Storm Leaves Difficult Travel, School Closings and Delays in its Wake

Undated (KROC-AM News)- Minnesotans are once again digging out from a winter storm that caused difficult travel conditions throughout the state. 

See Also: Weather Closings and Delays for Wednesday, December 10, 2025 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) indicates the State Patrol responded to the crash shortly after 5:00 Wednesday morning. A detour route was put in place during the closure.

The crash occurred as crews continue efforts to clear roadways that were hit with slushy snow Tuesday night. 

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Hwy. 19 Reopens Near Cannon Falls Following Crash

Authorities closed a multi-mile stretch of Hwy. 19 in both directions. The closure, which was about a mile east of Cannon Falls, ended around 6:30 a.m. MnDOT says. 

Details regarding injuries and an expected reopening time for the two-line highway are not yet available. Tuesday’s snowfall left difficult traveling conditions in its wake. 

MnDOT indicates the major roadways throughout southeast Minnesota are either partially or completely covered with snow and ice. 

The slick roadways have prompted multiple Rochester-area school districts to start late or close. Poor travel conditions also contributed to hundreds of crashes across Minnesota. 

Dozens Crash as Winter Storm Hits Minnesota Roads With Snow and Ice

The State Patrol reported 205 crashes between noon Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday. 15 of those crashes involved injuries. One of the crashes was fatal, however details about it are not yet available. 

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say lingering snow is possible until 8:00 Wednesday morning. 

30-45 mph wind gusts paired with the light snow are expected to reduce visibility and cause travel difficulties. 

Preliminary Minnesota Snow Totals for Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

A preliminary snowfall report submitted to the National Weather Service indicates 3 inches of snow fell in southeast Rochester. The National Weather Service is reporting 4.1 inches of snow at Minneapolis St. Paul Airport. 

So far the highest reported snowfall totals are coming out of central and northwestern Minnesota, where 6.9-8 inches of snow have been reported, according to the National Weather Service.

Story updated to include new information from the National Weather Service and Minnesota State Patrol