Winter Storm Brings Snow, Chilly Winds To SE Minn.

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- People in Southern Minnesota and several other Midwestern states were digging out of a fresh winter wonderland this Thursday.

As much as ten inches fell overnight in Southeastern Minnesota. Dozens of schools called off classes.

The blast of winter is part of a massive storm that could eventually impact at least sixteen states. The storm moved in overnight, bringing light snow to the Twin Cities but heavier snow and blustery conditions to the southeast part of the state.

The weather didn't appear to create too many problems for the morning commute, although there were a few slick spots.

The farther east WCCO's Mobile Weather Watcher drove Thursday morning, the nastier things got.

Along Highway 35 in Wisconsin near Prescott, snow and ice covered the road. The blowing snow made it difficult to see at times. It was the same story in Owatonna, Minn., which is just south of the Twin Cities.

"The wind is what makes it the worst," said Jason Bolas in Owatonna. "It really bites, whips right through your clothes."

Conditions in Minnesota are mild compared to the punch the storm is packing in neighboring states. Iowans were slammed with a blizzard, and tens of thousands of people in the Midwest are now without power.

The blinding snowfall continues to create treacherous driving conditions for many, and people in Wisconsin are bracing for up to a foot and a half of snow.

Major interstates are closed in Iowa, officials are asking people not to travel, and there are flight delays and cancellations across the Midwest because of the storm, including more than a dozen delays and cancellations at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

However, some, like Brian Coyle of Minnesota, are happy to see a classic-looking winter after last year's mild, drab-looking season.

"Who knows what's to come," Coyle said. "But I sure hope there's a lot more of this."