Snow Causes Headaches In The Twin Cities | WeatherBug
Main Menu
Responsive menu icon

Snow Causes Headaches In The Twin Cities

August 14, 2017
By Don Davis, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
Dec. 01--Schools, government offices and some businesses closed early, Twin Cities commuters frequently slid to a halt, and snow sculptures were created in many parts of the Upper Midwest on Monday as the first widespread winter storm of the season hit.

As the snow spread over the region, southwestern Minnesota schools and colleges closed early, and evening events were canceled.

The first couple of inches in the metro area caused plenty of havoc.

The Minnesota State Patrol investigated 391 crashes statewide and received reports of 346 vehicles off the road and spinning out.

Thirty-seven injuries, one fatal and one serious, were reported by the patrol. It wasn`t immediately clear whether the fatal crash -- on Minnesota 42 near Elgin in southeastern Minnesota -- was related to the weather.

At least two Metro Transit buses spun out and 30 miles of traffic on Interstate 94 from Hudson, Wis., to downtown Minneapolis was moving at a crawl, or not moving at all.

Some freeways and ramps were ice covered, with reports of several trucks not able to negotiate the ice on uphill exit ramps.

After a midday lull, snow made a return visit in time for the evening commute.

In west-central Minnesota, icy drizzle created slick road conditions in the region Monday morning before the snow began.

Plow trucks were on the roads treating icy areas and will continue the work of keeping roads open as needed, according to Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, public affairs coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Transportation office in Willmar.

Temperatures were to remain cool, but under sunny or partly cloudy skies after Tuesday.

Even with the snow and cold that set in, much of the ice around the Upper Midwest was not safe.

In light of an ice skater falling through near Pillager, Minn., last week, authorities are issuing warnings.

Pillager Fire Chief Randy Lee said that "any ice is not really walkable yet. I would say be very careful going on any ice and check it as you are going."

Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch said there is no ice that should ever be considered truly safe.

"This time of year, being on the ice is very dangerous," Burch said.

Meanwhile, Minnesota snowmobile trails technically open Tuesday, but most are not ready.

Before snowmobile trails may be used, the ground must be frozen, about 12 inches of snow must be on the ground and trails must be cleared of debris. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends at leave 5 inches ice before snowmobiles are used on bodies of water.
---
(c)2015 the Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.)