Good morning and happy Friday. Here’s what you need to know to start your day. 

The snow is here. As is the wind — gusts up to 35 mph in the Twin Cities this afternoon. Snow accumulation varies across the state from a few inches to over a foot projected, so check your local forecast in the following link. Statewide highs in the 20s, with temps getting down to zero at night in the west. More on Updraft. | Forecast

Schools do have some reasoning behind their decision on whether to cancel classes. Elizabeth Shockman explains that it boils down to three main factors. 

While the snow’s here, you should try winter camping. Matt Mikus makes the case for sleeping outside when temps are frigid. “Some of the rewarding part of it is the challenge,” says Kurt Mead, an interpretive naturalist at Tettegouche State Park. “Cooking and preparing food when it’s cold is a different matter than when it’s warmer. Keeping yourself warm and dry for an extended period, you’re talking days, is a bit of a challenge. But if you’re mindful about it, you can make it happen and enjoy it.”