Freezing rain, slick roads slow Twin Cities commute
Overnight rain and near‑freezing temperatures are creating 'sneaky' slick spots on Twin Cities roads Tuesday morning, with MnDOT reporting ice‑covered highways northwest of the metro and a jackknifed semi on I‑35 in Chisago County as a winter weather advisory covers the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Red Wing and Willmar through the morning. Main metro routes are mostly passable but side streets, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots are especially icy; rain is expected to end around sunrise with highs in the low 30s, but evening fog and refreezing could create additional hazards later in the day.
📌 Key Facts
- Overnight rain has produced icy conditions, especially northwest of the Twin Cities, with MnDOT reporting ice‑covered roads in the St. Cloud and Sartell areas.
- A jackknifed semi has been reported on northbound I‑35 in Chisago County where MnDOT notes ice on the roadway.
- The National Weather Service has a winter weather advisory in effect Tuesday morning for the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Red Wing and Willmar for rain/freezing rain, with rain fading around sunrise, highs in the low 30s, and a risk of evening refreeze and fog.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2022, Minnesota recorded 18,706 traffic crashes on snowy or icy roads, resulting in 36 deaths and 4,237 injuries.
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2022 — Minnesota Department of Public Safety
In 2022, during the winter months of December, January, and February, there were 22,539 traffic crashes in Minnesota, leading to 68 fatalities and 5,768 injuries.
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2022 — Minnesota Department of Public Safety
In 2022, 71% of all traffic fatalities in Minnesota were male.
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2022 — Minnesota Department of Public Safety
On December 22, 2025, more than 100 crashes and 2 fatal accidents were reported in Minnesota during winter weather conditions.
MN weather: 100+ crashes, 2 fatal accidents reported Monday — FOX 9
Nationally, an average of 1,836 deaths and 136,309 injuries occur per year due to snowy and icy roads.
Icy Road Accident Statistics — Icy Road Safety
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