A heavy dose of winter

• Snow cleanup

Street crews were out in full force in Alexandria Monday, hauling away a foot of snow. (Photo by Lowell Anderson)

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Snowblowers got a workout in Douglas County Sunday and Monday.

More than a foot of snow was reported in parts of the county, including 14 inches in Millerville and 13 inches in Carlos.

The heavy snowfall came on top of a wintry mix of sleet and ice, followed by storng wind gusts, making travel treacherous throughout the area.

On Sunday afternoon, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) advised no travel in west central Minnesota due to the heavy snow, blowing snow and very poor visibility.

MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol closed Interstate 94 from Moorhead to Alexandria at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Travelers driving on I-94 were diverted into Alexandria, which filled up hotels and the few restaurants that remained open.

The city of Alexandria declared a snow emergency Sunday. No on-street parking was allowed from midnight until 11 a.m. on Monday.

Snow continued to pile up Sunday night and Monday morning, delaying morning commutes and upsetting start-of-the-week routines.

Schools throughout the area were closed Monday, along with many businesses, church activities and community events.

By mid-morning, conditions improved and I-94 reopened at 1 p.m.

Tags: local news, news, snowfall, blizzard, winter