St. Paul: School’s out through Friday for two e-learning days and a snow day

Frederick Melo, Mara H. Gottfried, Pioneer Press
Updated ·5 min read

Students in the St. Paul Public Schools will stay home for the next three days as a potentially historic snowfall hits the region in multiple waves.

The St. Paul school district announced it will hold “e-learning” online education days Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a snow day on Friday to give families a chance to dig out after the storm. Students were expected to be sent home at the end of the regular school day on Tuesday with iPads.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning predicting some 23 inches of snowfall in the Twin Cities, with precipitation beginning this afternoon and piling — alongside intensifying winds — into Thursday night. Snow accumulation could range between 15 and 25 inches.

“This is indeed going to be a historic storm,” said Todd Krause, National Weather Service Twin Cities meteorologist, at a Tuesday press conference. “It’s going to be a tough storm, especially for those in open country” because there will be strong wind and heavy snow.

Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency relief services across Minnesota if motorists become stranded.

“Minnesotans are no strangers to extreme weather, but this storm could break records,” Walz said. “Our agencies are collaborating closely to make sure we’re prepared — and Minnesotans have a part to play, too. Plan ahead, drive safe, and limit travel.”

Officials: Think twice about driving

The snowfall will come in two waves and the forecast is much the same as it’s been the last few days, Krause said: Six to eight inches of snow is expected late Tuesday and through the night. Then, about another foot of snow starting later Wednesday and into Thursday.

“We’re talking a foot, foot and a half of snow” in areas across central and southern Minnesota, Krause said. By Wednesday afternoon, wind gusts could be easily be over 40 mph in much of western and southern Minnesota; in those areas there could be “zero visibility at times,” he added.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has more than 800 snowplows and 1,600 snowplow drivers across the state, said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.

Even with the preparations, “it’s going to take time for crews to clear it,” said MnDOT communicaitons director Jake Loesch. People can check 511MN.org for latest road conditions.

While Minnesota State Patrol Chief Col. Matt Langer said “Minnesotans are hardy” and accustomed to winter snowstorms, he advised people to think twice about whether they need to drive during the storm.

“If you’re going to venture out, be prepared, … allow extra time, slow down, wear your seatbelt,” Langer said. “If you end up in a crash, stay in your car” and call 911.

For people who cannot avoid traveling, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management recommends having a safety kit in your vehicle, including boots, jackets, gloves, blankets, a cell phone charger, flashlight with spare batteries, bottled water and snacks, booster cables, basic tools, sand or cat litter, a red bandana to put in your vehicle window if you’re stuck, and a pencil and paper. If you have to travel, tell someone your expected travel time, so they’ll be aware if you don’t arrive, said Kevin Reed, the state’s emergency management interim director.

It will likely take first responders longer to reach you if you’re in a crash or if your vehicle goes off the road, Reed said. The same applies across the board for emergency responses — response times could increase by almost four times of a normal emergency response, said State Fire Marshal Jim Smith.

Keep doors clear or snow and snow drifts — “that is your lifeline to get out of the house,” Smith said. And with people being hunkered down over the next couple of days, “What better time to check your smoke alarm and your (carbon monoxide) detectors?,” Smith said. “Please make sure they are working.”

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are hosting a joint media briefing with reporters this afternoon to apprise the public on their latest emergency planning.

What’s closed, open

The Rosemount-Eagan-Apple Valley school district also announced Tuesday that instruction will be switched to “e-learning” on Wednesday and Thursday, with all in-person programs canceled.

Ramsey County libraries and service centers are closed Wednesday and Thursday.

West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School District announced Tuesday that all of their schools will have a snow day Wednesday and an e-learning day on Thursday. For more information to go the distict web site.

Minneapolis Public Schools will hold e-learning from Wednesday through Friday. More information is available at the district web site.

In St. Paul, the school district had already built five extra days of instruction into the school calendar for 2022-23 in light of potential calendar disruptions. Classes on hold during Friday’s snow day will be made up during that time. By state statute, school districts can use up to five e-learning days due to weather, and the school district has used two so far in the academic year. After this week, the district will have one e-learning day left.

Afterschool programs including Discovery Club, high school and middle school athletics games and practices are canceled Wednesday and Thursday. Friday’s varsity games and practices will be decided on a case-by-case basis, according to the school district.

A list of canceled extracurricular activities is available online at spps.org. Information about snow emergencies and plowing schedules is online at stpaul.gov/snow.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota State High School League has announced it isn’t canceling any state tournaments scheduled during the expected storm. Girls hockey and gymnastics are scheduled to be held this week.

“High School Girls Hockey and Gymnastics State Tournaments for this week are expected to take place as scheduled,” read a statement from the MSHSLL. “Teams are being encouraged to watch the weather and make travel plans accordingly. We look forward to hosting two great tournaments.”

Lawmakers at the Minnesota Legislature in St. Paul are expected to put their work on hold because of thE snow storm and are canceling floor sessions and committee hearings for the rest of the week. The Senate plans to work into the night Tuesday to debate bills restoring felon voting rights and allowing immigrants without proper authorization to obtain driver’s licenses.

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