Traffic & Transit

Minnesota Sees 139 Crashes In First 4 Hours Of Snowstorm

A major snowstorm pounded the Twin Cities metro area and beyond Tuesday morning, wreaking havoc for morning commuters.

Emergency crews responded to a vehicle spin-out on Minnesota Highway 5 near the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Tuesday morning.
Emergency crews responded to a vehicle spin-out on Minnesota Highway 5 near the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Tuesday morning. (Minnesota Department of Transportation )

MINNESOTA — The first four hours of Tuesday's snowstorm arrived in Minnesota just in time for rush hour, wreaking havoc on morning commutes.

Between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., the Minnesota State Patrol responded to 139 crashes on state highways. Of those crashes, seven caused injuries, but none were fatal or life-threatening.

A total of 53 cars spun off the road, and there were three jackknifed semis.

Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

National Weather Service

The snowstorm will continue to pound the Twin Cities metro area throughout the afternoon, making the evening commute just as messy, if not more so. Avoid the roads and stay home, if possible.

"Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches," the National Weather Service said in its winter weather warning for Tuesday. "Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commute."

Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The NWS adds that "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."

Read more: Up To 8 Inches Of Snow Now Possible Tuesday: MN Weather Storm Update

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