Valentine's Day marked by heavy snowstorm in Minnesota

The Twin Cities in Minnesota braced for a significant snowstorm that coincided with Valentine's Day festivities on February 14, 2025. The storm was expected to commence on Friday, February 13, leading to complications for those planning dinner outings. Forecasts predicted between 1-3 inches of snow for the metro and parts of northern Minnesota, while central Wisconsin was projected to receive more than 5 inches, making for dangerous driving conditions. Such conditions prompted local news outlets to issue a NEXT Drive Alert, focusing on the necessity for drivers to reduce their speed to avoid accidents due to the slick roads caused by the snow. Interestingly, February's full moon, known as the snow moon, also took place on February 12, 2025, marking a celestial event that typically garners attention alongside winter weather. The name 'snow moon' originates from the heavy snowfall common in February, as documented by the Old Farmer's Almanac. Additionally, Native American tribes historically referred to this full moon as the hunger moon due to hunting difficulties during the harsh winter season. February is notable for its night sky visibility, as several planets, including Venus, are particularly bright this time of year. NASA recommends looking out for other celestial bodies alongside the snow moon, like Jupiter and Mars, which were expected to be prominent. This addition to the snowy backdrop created a unique atmosphere for residents enjoying the snow while gazing at the winter sky. Though only a modest amount of snow was expected relative to historical averages, users on social media expressed their concerns about road safety and the impact on Valentine’s Day plans. Previous Valentine’s Day had seen significant snowfall in 2024, which resulted in nearly 7 inches of snow across the metro area. The ongoing winter season had previously seen a shortfall in total snowfall accumulation, with only 14.3 inches measured as of the prior Thursday, demonstrating how this latest storm was crucial in bridging the gap toward achieving more average seasonal totals.