Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Cold air has settled over SE Minnesota. Air temperatures were below zero Friday morning while wind chill readings ranged from 30 - 40 below.

It will be even colder by Saturday morning with lows around -20. Another inch or two of snow could fall across the region Sunday.

Several inches of snow fell across parts of SE Minnesota Thursday. Rochester’s official total was 4.2 inches, a record for the date. Although roads and streets have been plowed, many are still slippery and motorists are advised to be careful, especially when approaching intersections.

There were dozens of traffic wrecks and mishaps in the area Thursday during the storm. One involved a MnDOT snowplow that was rear-ended by a truck on Highway 52 near Oronoco. No injuries were reported. An Iowa man was killed in a crash involving a MnDOT snowplow near Wabasha Tuesday evening. This was the 6th crash involving a MnDOT snowplow in SE Minnesota this year.

Gov. Tim Walz Thursday night declared a peacetime state of emergency and ordered the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance and emergency relief services for stranded motorists in Renville County. His statement said members of the Guard would assist with search and rescue operations. The Guard Armory in Olivia was also opened as a shelter for stranded motorists.

Rochester Public Schools are opening two hours late Friday due to weather. Many other districts are also opening late. Check our website for other announcements.

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