Snowfall totals as of 7 a.m. Friday in the Albert Lea area were around 8 inches, according to measurements made by the Albert Lea Tribune and KATE Radio.

National Weather Service meteorologists Friday morning said Albert Lea was in a band of high snowfall totals from a storm that moved through overnight. South central Minnesota areas outside the band ended up with totals of 4 or 6 inches. The Twin Cities reports 1 to 2 inches.

The storm provided big, fluffy flakes. The meteorologists said the weather was excellent for “efficient snow growth.”

Snowflakes grow best in the temperature range of 10 degrees above to 4 degrees below and without too much wind or moisture.

United South Central Schools in Wells was the first to cancel classes Friday. Soon after Albert Lea, St. Theodore Catholic School, Hollandale Christian School, Glenville-Emmons, Alden-Conger, New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva and United Preschool closed for the day.

Lake Mills started two hours late Friday.

Lakeview Elementary School had planned to hold Fun Night tonight, but that has been postponed until March.

High school basketball games slated for tonight are canceled. Among them, Albert Lea girls were to play Winona in Albert Lea and the boys were to travel to Winona.

However, high school wrestling postseason is set to continue Friday. The Minnesota State High School League determines whether to cancel that contest, and as of press time, it was still on. Albert Lea wrestles in Rochester this afternoon.

Another 1 to 2 inches of lingering snow are expected through the remainder of today.