Storm Closing Schools, Messing With Commute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Some school districts in Minnesota are canceling classes as the first major winter storm of the season arrives.

St. Cloud Area Schools, Albany, Sauk Rapids-Rice and Sartell are among those closed Monday because of the storm that could deposit more than a foot of snow in some area.

The state Department of Transportation's website shows roads in west-central Minnesota are completely covered with snow. Some commuters were expected to get an early start to deal with the falling snow. The National Weather Service says the highest accumulations in Minnesota will be in the eastern part of the state, including the Twin Cities metro area, where total accumulations of 10 to 16 inches are possible.

Winter storm warnings have been posted from northern South Dakota, across central Minnesota and into northern Wisconsin through Tuesday evening.