Light snow, icy patches make Twin Cities roads slick
MnDOT and FOX 9 report that light snow and gusty winds are creating slick travel across Minnesota Friday, with the Twin Cities seeing under an inch of accumulation but scattered ice on highways, including parts of Highway 169 near New Hope and Brooklyn Park. A winter weather advisory is in effect for western Minnesota until 6 p.m., and MnDOT has issued no‑travel advisories in northwestern Minnesota where high winds and blowing snow have dropped visibility to zero on several major highways. Southwestern Minnesota roads are reported completely ice‑covered, and black ice plus blowing snow are affecting large stretches of northern, western and southern Minnesota. In the metro, main routes are mostly normal early but drivers are being warned to watch for changing visibility and sudden icy spots as snow bands and wind move through during the day.
📌 Key Facts
- Twin Cities snow totals are expected to stay under 1 inch Friday, but MnDOT reports ice in spots including Highway 169 near New Hope and Brooklyn Park.
- A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Friday for parts of western Minnesota due to blowing snow and gusty winds.
- MnDOT has issued no‑travel advisories on multiple northwestern Minnesota highways because of zero visibility from high winds and blowing snow.
📊 Relevant Data
In Minnesota, winter months produce more traffic crashes but result in fewer fatalities compared to summer months.
ACTS Legislative Report 2024 — Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths
From 2020 onwards, about 5.85% of all crashes in Minnesota are alcohol-related, with nearly 30.4% of fatal crashes involving alcohol.
ACTS Legislative Report 2024 — Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths
Indigenous people represent 0.9% of Minnesota's population but were involved in 3.5% of fatal vehicle crashes between 2015 and 2019.
Race and Transportation Trend Analysis — Minnesota GO
In Minneapolis, Black residents represent 19% of the population but comprise 26% of people killed in vehicle crashes.
Safety Data — City of Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, Native American residents represent 1% of the population but comprise 4% of people killed in vehicle crashes.
Safety Data — City of Minneapolis
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