Heavy snow belts Minnesota, Wisconsin

MINNEAPOLIS The heaviest snowstorm to hit the region in two winters dumped heavy snow across a broad belt of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities area, as well as parts of western Wisconsin.

Forecasters say up to 15 inches of snow are possible in the Twin Cities by Monday night.

The slow-moving storm was causing difficult driving and scores of mostly minor traffic accidents across much of Minnesota, highway closures in eastern South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota, and flight cancellations and delays at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

A blizzard warning was posted for much of eastern South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota, while a winter storm warning was up for much of central and eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported difficult driving conditions across much of the southern two-thirds of the state, with no travel advised and several highways closed in west-central and southwestern Minnesota.

But for many, the snow long overdue: Good times in the snow with family. "You're never too old to play in the snow," said Joy Ann McChesney told CBS station WCCO in Minneapolis.

Metrodome officials were trying to make sure the heavy snow in downtown Minneapolis didn't bring the roof down.

It's been almost two years to the day since 17 inches of snow in 24 hours tore holes in the inflatable dome, forcing the Vikings to play the final two games of the season elsewhere. The repair project cost $22.7 million.

Steve Maki, director of facilities for the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Authority, confirms they cranked up the heat after Sunday's Vikings-Bears game. And he says they'll keep it that way until the storm passes. He says everything is going well so far.

Maki also says jokingly that sportswriters complaining about the heat up in the press box could have a pretty nice sauna if they splash some water on the rocks.