Blowing snow triggers 167 crashes; I‑35, I‑90 closures reported
Blowing snow and white‑out conditions in Minnesota were tied to 167 crashes — including 102 property‑damage and 10 injury crashes between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. — leaving about 50 vehicles off the road, three jackknifed semis and prompting closures on portions of I‑35 at Hwy 14 and I‑90. A blizzard warning and no‑travel advisories were issued in northwest Minnesota and McLeod County as visibility fell below one‑tenth of a mile and wind gusts over 55 mph produced heavy drifting snow and slick, partially ice- or brown‑snow‑covered roads through the evening.
📌 Key Facts
- Blowing snow and whiteout/drifting snow produced visibility below 1/10 mile in places and wind gusts over 55 mph, creating blizzard-like conditions across parts of Minnesota.
- The State Patrol reported 167 crashes tied to blowing snow/whiteouts, including 102 property-damage crashes and 10 injury crashes between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- About 50 vehicles were reported off the road and three semis jackknifed during the storm.
- Portions of I‑35 at Highway 14 and I‑90 were closed because of multiple crashes.
- No-travel advisories were issued in multiple areas, including near the North Dakota border under a blizzard warning and in McLeod County.
- Twin Cities roads remained partially covered with ice and brown snow, with slick spots and reduced visibility expected through late evening.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2022, 18,766 traffic crashes in Minnesota occurred under snow, ice, or slush road surface conditions, accounting for approximately 27% of all crashes.
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2022 — Minnesota Department of Public Safety
In 2022, snow-related weather conditions contributed to 7,644 crashes in Minnesota, resulting in 21 fatalities and 1,652 injuries.
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2022 — Minnesota Department of Public Safety
📰 Sources (3)
- State Patrol reports 167 crashes so far tied to blowing snow/whiteouts; between 9 a.m.–4 p.m.: 102 property‑damage crashes and 10 injury crashes.
- Fifty vehicles off the road and three jackknifed semis reported.
- McLeod County issued a no-travel advisory due to whiteout conditions.
- Portions of I‑35 at Hwy 14 and I‑90 were closed because of multiple crashes.
- Twin Cities roads remain partially covered with ice/brown snow; slick spots and reduced visibility expected through late evening.
- A 'no travel advised' alert was issued near the North Dakota border in northwestern Minnesota under a blizzard warning.
- Visibility in some areas fell below 1/10 mile with white-out and drifting snow reported.
- Wind gusts could top 55+ mph in parts of the state; metro faces challenging travel with plunging temps, gusty winds and bursts of snow.