The National Weather Service reported 6.9 inches of snow as of midnight at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is a record for Feb. 14 and nearly double the amount received so far this winter.
The Twin Cities and southern Minnesota are experiencing a significant snowfall on Valentine's Day, with more than half a foot of snow falling in some areas. This is the largest snowfall of the season for many locations.
The Twin Cities and southern Minnesota are experiencing a significant snowfall on Valentine's Day, with more than half a foot of snow falling in some areas. This is the largest snowfall of the season for many locations. The National Weather Service reported 6.9 inches of snow as of midnight at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is a record for Feb. 14 and nearly double the amount received so far this winter.
The Twin Cities and southern Minnesota experienced a significant snowfall on Thursday, with more than half a foot of snow falling in some areas. This is the largest snowfall of the season for many locations.
Heavy snow falls in south Minneapolis on Wednesday night.
Accuracy
Troopers responded to several hundred spin outs and crashes between 7 a.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday, the State Patrol said.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author states that 'Much of southern Minnesota woke up to a rare sight Thursday - rare for this strange winter.' However, it is not clear what makes this winter 'strange'. It could be any number of things such as temperature or precipitation levels. The article does not provide enough context for readers to understand why the author considers the current weather conditions 'rare' and therefore misleading. Secondly, when discussing snowfall totals across Minnesota, the author states that 'The northern half of Minnesota largely missed out on this round of snow.' This statement is also deceptive as it implies that only one-half of Minnesota experienced significant snowfall while in reality many parts of the state received a substantial amount. Lastly, when discussing school delays and difficult driving conditions, the author states that 'The State Patrol reported more than 300 crashes on state and federal highways in Minnesota between 7 a.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday.' This statement is misleading as it implies that these accidents were caused by the snowfall when in reality they could have been caused by other factors such as driver error or poor road conditions.
The author's use of 'rare for this strange winter' to describe the significant snowfall is deceptive and misleading.
The statement that only one-half of Minnesota experienced significant snowfall is also deceptive and misleading.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority when it quotes the National Weather Service's report on snowfall totals. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the snow as a 'rare sight' and 'difficult driving'. Additionally, there is no evidence of any formal fallacies in this article.
]The season total before Wednesday in the Twin Cities was just 7.3 inches. It now stands at 14.2 inches — which is still more than 20 inches below normal, and more than 40 inches less snow than the Twin Cities had received at this point last winter.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a statement that is biased towards the author's opinion. The sentence 'It now stands at 14.2 inches which is still more than 20 inches below normal, and more than 40 inches less snow than the Twin Cities had received at this point last winter.' implies that the current amount of snowfall is not enough for those who are expecting a lot of snow. This statement reflects an opinion rather than providing objective information about the weather conditions.
]It now stands at 14.2 inches which is still more than 20 inches below normal, and more than 40 inches less snow than the Twin Cities had received at this point last winter.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Andrew Krueger has a conflict of interest on the topic of winter storms in southern Minnesota as he is based in Minneapolis and reports for MPR News which covers the area. He also mentions specific locations such as Hutchinson, Wabasso, Lakeview and Cedar Mountain.
Andrew Krueger reported on the first major snowfall of the winter in southern Minnesota
Krueger mentioned specific locations such as Hutchinson, Wabasso, Lakeview and Cedar Mountain
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of school delays as they are reporting for MPR News which is responsible for providing Minnesota snowfall totals from this storm. The article mentions that many schools in southern Minnesota have closed due to the heavy snowfall and it would be beneficial for MPR News to report accurate information about these closures.
MPR News is responsible for providing Minnesota snowfall totals from this storm and it would be beneficial for them to report accurate information about school closures in southern Minnesota.
The article states 'Many schools in southern Minnesota are closing early or canceling classes altogether as a result of the storm. The National Weather Service reports that 7.5 inches of snow has fallen on Amery, Wis., just northwest of Twin Cities.'
Some were just thankful their friendly neighborhood snow blowers and snowplows were on the job bright and early.
✔Of course, not everyone was excited about the weather✕
Accuracy
The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported icy roads across southern Minnesota early Thursday, and there were more than 300 crashes on state and federal highways between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that people are losing their minds online when there's no evidence to support this claim. Secondly, the author selectively reports details of snowfall and its impact on commuters while ignoring other aspects of winter such as cold temperatures or ice formation which could also affect people's daily lives. Thirdly, the article uses emotion manipulation by quoting individuals expressing their feelings about the snow online without providing any context or analysis of these emotions.
It’s tradition for Minnesotans to tempt fate with the weather.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the snowfall marked the first real signs of winter after months of balmy temperatures and dismal snowfall without providing any evidence or citation for this claim.
> It's tradition for Minnesotans to tempt fate with the weather. You know how it goes — the moment you put the snow boots and shovels away, Mother Nature decides its time for a light dusting.
Bias
(75%)
The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'Minnesotans expressed their feelings about the snow online' which implies that there is a specific group of people who are being targeted by this statement.
It’s tradition for Minnesotans to tempt fate with the weather.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article by Eder Campuzano of the Star Tribune discusses snowfall in the Twin Cities and how people are losing their minds online. The author has a conflict of interest with Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT) as they have been criticized for poor road conditions during winter weather.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of snowfall in the Twin Cities as they are affiliated with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT). The article also mentions Troopers and State Patrol which could be another potential source for conflicts.
A weak incoming system will cause increased clouds and cooler air in the Twin Cities.
The clipper system will move across the state overnight with temperatures in the low 30s. Another system is set to impact Minnesota on Wednesday evening, dropping a few inches of snow along Interstate 90. The Twin Cities may see some flakes as well possibly up to an inch.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title mentions snow on Valentine's Day but does not mention that it may only be a possibility and not guaranteed. Secondly, the body of the article states that there will likely be slick spots after precipitation wraps up before Thursday morning commute which is misleading as it implies no chance of accidents or hazards caused by snow on roads. Lastly, Joseph Dames' bio mentions his work in science and other environmental stories but does not mention anything about meteorology.
The title mentions snow on Valentine's Day but does not mention that it may only be a possibility and not guaranteed.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the forecast is from WCCO without providing any evidence or context for their credibility. Additionally, the use of inflammatory rhetoric such as 'slick spots may remain' and 'drop a few inches of snow along Interstate 90' creates fear in readers without providing accurate information. The author also uses an informal fallacy by stating that snowboarders still shredded at the Capitol, which is not relevant to the weather forecast.
The article states 'There’s some light snow in the forecast on Valentine’s Day' but does not provide any evidence or context for this claim. This creates a false sense of urgency and fear without providing accurate information.
The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that 'slick spots may remain'. This is not an accurate representation of the weather conditions and creates fear in readers without providing any evidence to support their claim.
Bias
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Interstate 90 as they are reporting for CBS Minnesota which is likely to have an interest in promoting traffic and road conditions.
