NEXT Drive Alert: Fatal crash in Minneapolis as snow continues to coat roads
MINNEAPOLIS -- As a multi-day storm continues its onslaught in Minnesota, drivers heading to work should once again be prepared for a tricky commute.
Minnesotans woke up to widespread snow Thursday, and it's expected to continue on-and-off throughout the next two days. In the Twin Cities, both the morning and evening commutes will be affected.
It's day to stay home if you are able to. As of 5:30 a.m., the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported nearly all of the state's major roadways were either partially or completely covered. In the metro alone, MnDOT maps showed about two dozen crashes in the morning.
Stay home today if you can. It’s already a mess and we’re not even to 6 a.m.@WCCO pic.twitter.com/hCkZB2HH63
— A.J. Hilton (@AJHilton_News) December 15, 2022
On Interstate 35W northbound in Arden Hills, a jackknifed semi was causing slow going. MnDOT said there were no injuries, and the scene was cleared by 6 a.m.
Already a mess out there. This semi jackknifed on 35W NB in Arden Hills.
— A.J. Hilton (@AJHilton_News) December 15, 2022
Probably a good idea to stay home if you can.@WCCO pic.twitter.com/qBMA1JFLGc
Victim identified in fatal Highway 62 crash
The Minnesota State Patrol has released the identity of the man killed in a crash on Highway 62 overnight.
The patrol said the 39-year-old man from Bloomington was heading east on 62 near 34th Avenue when he drifted off the road and hit a bridge just before 2 a.m. He was driving a Jeep Wrangler.
Snowy roads were noted as a contributing factor in the initial report.
On Thursday afternoon, the State Patrol identified the victim as Sean Phillip Stout of Bloomington.
Investigators believe alcohol was also a factor in the crash, according to their latest report.
State Patrol: 79 crashes Thursday morning
The Minnesota State Patrol says between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., there were 79 crashes statewide.
Four of the crashes resulted in an injury, but none were serious or fatal. Officials reported 130 vehicle spin outs and 3 jackknifed semis.
#MSPNumbers Statewide 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12/15/22: 79 crashes (4 with injury, 0 serious/fatal) & 130 veh spin out/off the road & 3 jackknifed semis.
— State Patrol PIO (@MSPPIO) December 15, 2022
State patrol reports 72 crashes overnight
From 9 p.m. Wednesday to 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, there were 72 crashes on Minnesota roads, per the state patrol.
There was one fatal crash in Minneapolis (details below) and six more that resulted in injury.
Additionally, 101 vehicles spun out and four semis jackknifed.
Driver killed in overnight crash on Highway 62 in Minneapolis
The Minnesota State Patrol said a driver was killed in a crash on Highway 62 in Minneapolis early Thursday, and the snowy roads were a contributing factor.
The patrol said a 39-year-old man from Bloomington was heading east on 62 near 34th Avenue when he drifted off the road and hit a bridge. It happened around 1:50 a.m.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The patrol has not yet identified him publicly.
No other vehicles were involved.