Story perspectives

Severe Weather Closes Highways, Schools Shift to E-Learning

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) closed several highways in Minnesota due to zero visibility and stalled vehicles.
Wind gusts reached 59 mph, with visibility dropping to 100–200 feet.
Local authorities urge residents to avoid travel until conditions improve.
Many schools have canceled classes or shifted to e-learning.
As temperatures drop, rain is expected to turn into snow, and motorists should prepare for conditions and keep safe distances from snowplows.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, which struck from March 11 to 14, resulted in over 400 deaths and paralyzed the northeastern United States. With winds exceeding 60 mph and snowdrifts reaching 50 feet, the storm disrupted transportation and daily life, prompting improvements in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness that continue to influence responses to severe winter weather today.

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Story summary

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) closed several highways in Minnesota due to zero visibility and stalled vehicles.
Wind gusts reached 59 mph, with visibility dropping to 100–200 feet.
Local authorities urge residents to avoid travel until conditions improve.
Many schools have canceled classes or shifted to e-learning.
As temperatures drop, rain is expected to turn into snow, and motorists should prepare for conditions and keep safe distances from snowplows.

1 / 2