Minneapolis, MN - An intense winter weather system has recently swept through Minnesota, leading to hazardous icy road conditions across several states. Drivers faced treacherous conditions on Saturday, when snowfall and freezing rain created significant travel concerns.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the wintry mix began early Saturday as temperatures hovered near freezing. The weather forecast indicated scattered snow flurries combined with icy drizzle. MnDOT noted, "The freezing rain and drizzle is expected to move north across southern Minnesota this afternoon," with potential impacts lasting through Sunday morning.
By 9 p.m. on Saturday, road conditions showed signs of improvement across the Twin Cities, though NiDOT warned some roadways remained icy and slushy. While southern Minnesota roadways largely cleared, the southeastern corner of the state continued to experience slippery conditions. Motorists traveling on Interstate 35 en route to Duluth reported considerable ice coverage.
Metro Transit cited delays, with 33% of its buses experiencing average delays of five minutes. Thankfully, the light rail system reported no weather-related disruptions, allowing some form of transit to remain operational amid the icy conditions.
Data from the Minnesota State Patrol painted a stark picture, as they reported 355 crashes statewide due to the weather, including 239 property damage incidents. The patrol also had to respond to 23 injury crashes and multiple calls for vehicles off the road, which included six spinouts and seven jackknifed semi-trucks. The situation escalated to one fatal crash, reflecting the seriousness of driving amid hazardous conditions.
The weather didn't just affect Minnesota. Southeast Saskatchewan also felt the chilling effects of the winter storm. Sunday saw freezing rain falling across the region, prompting highway closures and travel advisories. Highway 35, leading from Colgate to the Canada-U.S. border, was closed, and authorities did not recommend traveling on many regional highways, citing hazards from ice-covered roads.
MnDOT was proactive, working through Friday night to proactively treat roads before the challenging weather hit. Bryan Lillie of MnDOT commented on the difficulty presented by freezing rain. He explained, “Freezing rain is harder than six inches of snow. We’ll go through a lot more product now than we normally would, but it’s just constant and it takes a long time to get it off, so everybody’s got to be patient.” His remarks underscored the challenges transportation authorities face when dealing with winter conditions.
MnDOT officials urged drivers to be cautious and revisit the basics of winter driving, advocating for slower speeds and greater follow distance on icy roads. They emphasized the need for readiness as people shake off the winter driving rust. Winter driving demands extra time, larger caution, and even changes to personal driving habits.
Weather experts warned residents to remain alert to changing conditions as they navigate the icy terrain. With forecasts predicting some easing of the wintry mix, drivers were still cautioned about black ice and patches of hidden frost.
Looking beyond the immediate vicinity, travelers venturing out during the storm were advised to check the MnDOT's 511 website for live updates on road conditions and incidents. Such resources are invaluable for maintaining safe travel during winter weather.
While icy conditions have resulted in dangerous travel situations, authorities and meteorologists remain committed to public safety, urging everyone to be mindful on the roads. Continued collaboration and response efforts will hopefully mitigate risks as the winter weariness sets in across various regions.
With Saturday's weather behind us, many on the roads, including truckers, delivery drivers, and daily commuters, are left hoping for clearer skies to allow for safer travels. The recent conditions serve as a reminder of the force of winter weather, underscoring the importance of preparedness and vigilance as the season progresses.
