Four inches expected Monday night

The National Weather Service forecast had area residents bracing for a significant snowfall Monday night.

Meteorologists expected about four inches of snow to greet Spencer commuters Tuesday morning. The area was under a winter weather advisory until noon Tuesday.

The overnight snowfall is expected to top an icy sheet of sleet and freezing rain, which fell Monday afternoon. The slick surfaces triggered an early dismissal for Spencer students -- they were sent home at 2:15 p.m.

Students at Clay Central-Everly, Okoboji, Ruthven-Ayrshire, Sioux Central and South Clay also had an early dismissal.

Iowa Lakes Community College and the Buena Vista Lakes and Prairie Centers also closed early due to the weather.

The poor conditions cancelled Monday night's annual Grand Meander. The annual holiday event featuring cookies, hot cocoa and live window displays in downtown Spencer will not be rescheduled.

Strong northerly winds were expected to accompany the overnight snowfall, causing blowing,drifting and below-zero wind chills in some areas.

Areas east of Spencer were under winter storm watches and warnings. About six inches of snow were possible in the Emmetsburg and Estherville areas.