The winter storm has caused sloppy road conditions across the state, and has knocked out power to thousands of people.
Traffic
Between 5 and 10 a.m. the State Patrol reports 94 crashes across the state, with eight injuries reported. None of the injuries were serious. The State Patrol says a total of 202 vehicles spun-out and three semi trucks jack-knifed.
From those numbers, a total of 73 crashes were reported in the metro and 139 vehicles went off the roadway or spun-out.
State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said, “Road conditions vary throughout the metro and statewide. Many of the crashes and spin-outs we’ve seen are the result of people driving too fast. Motorists need to be aware of the conditions and adjust their speed accordingly especially now that the morning rush is over.”
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recommended Wednesday morning that no one travel on several northern central Wisconsin highways that are covered in snow and ice.
Roads
Freezing rain that mixed with sleet and snow left icy grooves in the roadway, creating a ‘washboard’ effect. This has means drivers are seeing bumpy rides on many Minnesota roadways.
Minnesota Department of Transportation workers have been busy salting the roadways. They started salting around 7 p.m. Tuesday and worked through the night. All of MnDOTs trucks are out right now. MnDOT is asking drivers to give their truck operators room, to allow extra time, and to stay home if driving is not necessary.
Power Outages
The wind and sleet knocked out power to thousands of customers across the metro. Xcel Energy says about 3,800 customers remain without power. Due to the volume of calls, and difficulty getting around, the power likely will not be restored to all customers until the end of the day.
Xcel Energy customers can call 1-800-895-4999 to report downed power lines.
Connexus Energy says more than 2,000 customers were left without power at the height of the storm. The company expects have power restored to all customers by 7 p.m. They say around 100 customers remain without power this afternoon. Connexus Energy serves customers in portions of Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Sherburne and Washington counties.
Customers who see downed power lines are asked to call 763-323-2660.
Natural Gas Warning
According to Centerpoint Energy, snow or ice formations on or near a natural gas meter can cause potentially dangerous conditions. Regulators are designed to maintain a constant pressure and safe delivery of natural gas. If blocked, pressure could build up and cause a dangerous situation.
Flights
Delta had issued a weather waiver for Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. According to Delta.com travelers are entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
The Associated Press Contributed to this Report.
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Crystal Police tell KSTP.com they are currently “conducting an extensive search” of a house and property.
Strong winds and blowing snow will continue as the winter storm departs this afternoon.
From a fraction of an inch of slush to more than a foot of snow, the amount and type of precipitation received varied greatly. The most fell, appropriately, in a town called Winter.