NEW DELHI: Minneapolis-Saint Paul residents awoke to a surprise “winter wonderland” this Halloween as the cities experienced one of the most significant snowfalls in decades. Overnight, more than 2.5 inches of snow covered the Twin Cities, reported ABC News quoting the National Weather Service.
The last time the Twin Cities encountered a Halloween snowstorm of this magnitude was in 1991 when a blizzard brought a hefty 8.2 inches of snowfall, according to the National Weather Service’s records.
This recent snowfall ranks among the highest monthly snow accumulations in October for Minnesota. Just three years ago, the state recorded its most substantial October snowfall of 9.3 inches, with Minneapolis-Saint Paul receiving 8.9 inches that month, as per historical weather data.
While Halloween decorations adorned the streets alongside the fresh snow, the morning commute proved challenging for drivers who had to navigate icy road conditions.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported that since midnight, there have been a total of 191 crashes throughout the state, including nine incidents with reported injuries, according to ABC affiliate KSTP.
As the day progresses, the forecast predicts that skies will clear, bringing some relief from the snowfall, while temperatures are expected to plummet to a low of 24 degrees. This unseasonably early snowfall serves as a reminder of the unpredictable weather patterns that can affect the region as the winter season approaches.