Winter strikes again

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- It has become a sight all too familiar this winter -- drifting snow, icy roads and slow trips around town.

The New Ulm area received as much as seven inches of snow Monday morning, causing schools to close.

New Ulm schools closed their doors before students got on buses, and most other area districts followed suit.

Superintendent Harold Remme said that Monday marked the third total snow day in the district this winter.

"If we have more than three total snow days, we'd look at making them up," Remme said.

The school board has the option of adding make-up days; there is no law requiring school days to be recovered, he added.

Nicollet Public Schools brought students to school, but canceled classes at 9:45 a.m

Tom Patterson, New Ulm street commissioner, said that more than a dozen street and park employees were out early to clear sidewalks and roads.

Official snowfall for New Ulm and Sleepy Eye was 5 1/2 inches.

"This is kind of a crazy day," Patterson said at noon. "(Forecasters) weren't very accurate on this one. I didn't hear about this storm until Sunday afternoon."

Patterson said some crew members were out by 4 a.m. to salt and sand the roads.

"At this time of year, we stay prepared," Patterson said. "These storms can sneak up on you."

Patterson warned drivers to be careful.

"It's very slippery and icy underneath," he said. "This snow is so full of moisture, it compacts and becomes icy on top."

Patterson said his staff will attempt to remove the snow from the downtown area today.

"Everyone's working hard," he said. "It's going to be a little hectic here the next couple of days."

National Weather Service officials said New Ulm was at the tail end of the storm, adding that snow was expected to taper off in the evening.

However, more snow is forecasted for the entire week, NWS officials said.