Minnesota Weather: Nearly 150 Crashes Statewide As Snow Accumulates
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - The Minnesota State Patrol says that, statewide, there were 148 crashes amid the falling snow Saturday, 15 of which involved injuries but none of which were fatal.
Flakes started to fly in the metro in the late afternoon hours, but overall the storm system was expected to move through the state quickly, only lasting about 12 hours.
WCCO meteorologists projected three to six inches of snowfall in the southern part of the state. Northern communities in Brainerd and Duluth more like around two to three inches; northwestern Minnesota was expected to see only a light snow cover.
Unlike the other storms of the season, this one did not come with a blizzard warning. That's because there were not expected to be gusty winds, and the temperatures are cold enough that the snow was light and powdery -- perfect for sledding or other winter activities.
Though not for driving. MnDOT cameras around the state already showed a number of spinouts and vehicles off the road as of 5 p.m.
All is on track for 3-6" of snow, in many spots, from mid-to-late afternoon through pre-dawn Sunday. I'll show you the few spots that will get a little less, and the few that could get a little more coming up 8-9a with @JenniferMayerle on @WCCO #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/0upIewsBFS
— Mike Augustyniak (@MikeAugustyniak) January 23, 2021
Temperatures will warm up next week, reaching close to 30 degrees by Thursday and Friday.