Finally. After an unseasonably warm December and January forced the cancellation of several winter festivals across the metro, Valentine's Day has blessed much of the Twin Cities with about half a foot of snow. The 6 or 7 inches that fell overnight ended the longest January thaw in recent history.

The snowfall made for a slower-than-usual commute as drivers navigated slush-covered roads, and the State Patrol said troopers responded to several hundred spinouts and crashes from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday.

Still, many metro-area residents were elated on social media as the snowfall marked the first real sign of winter after months of balmy temperatures and dismal accumulation. (You can track how this winter compares with seasons past using this snow Star Tribune tracker.)

Here's how some Minnesotans expressed their feelings about the snow online Thursday:

In true Minnesotan fashion, at least one poster remained wary about just how long this would last:

It's tradition for Minnesotans to tempt fate with the weather. You know how it goes: The moment you put away the boots and shovels, Mother Nature decides its time for a light dusting. That thought wasn't lost on this woman:

Some were just thankful their friendly neighborhood snowblowers and plows were on the job bright and early.


Sometimes, the snow just brings out the best in us:

Of course, not everyone was excited about the weather.