The National Weather Service reported more than 5 inches of snow had fallen in Austin as of 9 a.m. Friday, the result of a major Midwest snowstorm, with another 1 to 2 inches possible throughout the day.

The snowstorm caused area schools to close and the city to declare a 72-hour snow emergency, slowing local traffic and pushing the Minnesota Department of Transportation to urge caution when traveling Friday.

Police Chief Brian Krueger said parking restrictions were in effect because of the snow emergency. Residents are asked to park starting at 8 a.m. on the even-numbered side of the street on even-numbered days, and the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered days.

The city will tow cars not in compliance, according to Krueger. Parking restrictions end at 8 a.m. Monday.

MnDOT officials said driving conditions were difficult on interstates and other roads around the Twin Cities, its suburbs and in Rochester where 5 inches of snow hampered motorists.

NWS meteorologists said snow totals to the south generally ranged from about 2 to 6 inches of snow. The deep spot was in Dodge County, where about 8 inches was recorded.

The snowstorm skirted Minnesota for the most part, burying Iowa and other parts of the Midwest in snow and ice.