By Tim Engstrom and Jason Schoonover

The snowstorm that began Sunday night, dropped two waves of snowfall and tapered off Tuesday afternoon delivered 8 inches to Albert Lea.

Each morning the total climbed. On Monday morning, it was 3 inches. On Tuesday morning, it had reached 7 inches. By this morning, that last inch of snow brought it to 8, according to snowfall totals measured by KATE Radio and the Albert Lea Tribune.

After being one of the only local schools to start classes on time Tuesday morning, United South Central released students early, at 10:45 a.m.

USC canceled because of deteriorating weather conditions.

Alden-Conger, Lake Mills and Northwood had been two hours late but changed plans and closed for the day.

Classes were earlier canceled Tuesday at Riverland Community College, at Glenville-Emmons School District and at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva.

Albert Lea Area Schools, St. Theodore Catholic School and Hollandale Christian School remain on spring break this week.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation on Monday advised residents to take precautions for driving safely during winter weather. Northerly winds could cause blowing and drifting of snow, making driving conditions treacherous.

Warmer weather is in the forecast, with a Friday high temperature of 36 and a high Saturday of 38, according to KIMT television.