Snow fell hard and fast across southern Minnesota as the state braced for up to a foot of snow on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Snow totals in the Twin Cities metro area early Wednesday morning included 8.7 inches in Prior Lake, 7.8 inches in St. Paul and 7.5 in Eagan.
The disruptions began early Tuesday evening, as travelers tried to beat the storm out of town, schools canceled classes, and residents hunkered down for what may well be one of the state's largest daily November snowfalls to date.
"It's going to be one of those where you just wake up in the morning and see 9 inches of snow," National Weather Service meteorologist Caleb Grunzke said Tuesday night.
Blinding snow was falling in southern Minnesota, where 12 inches or more was predicted to accumulate before the storm moves on, with high winds accompanying the season's first major blast of winter.
Officials warned people to take the onslaught seriously — advising motorists to stay off the roads until winds die down.
Snowplows were out in force Wedneday morning, utility crews were on standby and extra state troopers were on call to help.
The storm arrived as thousands of Thanksgiving travelers were flying in and out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where they waited in long lines to catch their flights.