MnDOT details plow response after Feb. 19 storm snarls Twin Cities commute
MnDOT says it held a 10 a.m. planning meeting on Feb. 19 and deployed plows ahead of the snowfall, while pre-treating roads to reduce icing. Spokesperson Kent Barnard said the storm lasting longer than forecast "didn't throw any curves" for plow operations, and although the evening commute was chaotic with some trip times tripling, conditions were significantly clearer the following day.
📌 Key Facts
- MnDOT held a 10 a.m. planning meeting on the day of the Feb. 19 storm.
- MnDOT deployed plows ahead of the snowfall.
- MnDOT pre-treated roads to reduce icing.
- The pre-treatment and plowing contributed to significantly clearer conditions for drivers the following day.
- The evening commute was chaotic, with some trip times tripling.
- MnDOT spokesperson Kent Barnard said the storm lasting longer than forecast "didn't throw any curves" for plow operations.
📊 Relevant Data
The February 19, 2026 winter storm brought more than 8 inches of snow to the Twin Cities metro area, exceeding initial forecasts of 2 to 4 inches.
Biggest snowstorm of winter causes major issues on Minnesota roads — Yahoo News
Snowfall totals from the February 19, 2026 storm reached 34 inches in Hovland, 18 inches in Two Harbors, and 15.6 inches in Grand Marais in northern Minnesota.
Hovland sees 34 inches of snow in Minnesota storm. See the latest snowfall totals — CBS News Minnesota
A deformation band caused over-performing snowfall across the Twin Cities during the February 19, 2026 storm, turning modest forecasts into a more impactful event.
Deformation Band Delivers Over-Performing Snowfall Across the Twin Cities — Limitless News
A boundary of compressed air across central Minnesota caused a sudden shift in the February 19, 2026 storm's path, resulting in heavier snow to the north and lighter amounts to the south.
Parts of northern MN pick up over 3' of snow; portions of Twin Cities measure up to a half foot — KARE 11
The 2025-2026 winter season is influenced by a weak La Niña, which historically can bring more snow to Minnesota due to alterations in atmospheric circulation patterns.
Will the return of La Niña have any impact Minnesota's winter snow and cold? — Bring Me The News
The average monthly snowfall in Minneapolis for February is approximately 9.8 inches, with new snow ranging from over 13.6 inches in heavy snowfall years.
Minneapolis MN Snowfall Totals & Snow Accumulation Averages — Current Results
In February 2019, the Twin Cities received a record 39 inches of snowfall for the month, making it one of the snowiest Februaries on record.
Twin Cities set February snowfall record — but wait, there's more — Twin Cities Pioneer Press
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- MnDOT held a 10 a.m. planning meeting the day of the storm and deployed plows ahead of the snowfall.
- MnDOT spokesperson Kent Barnard said the storm lasting longer than forecast 'didn't throw any curves' for plow operations.
- MnDOT pre-treated roads to reduce icing, which contributed to significantly clearer conditions for drivers the following day despite a chaotic evening commute in which some trip times tripled.