Hundreds of crashes on Minnesota roads during winter storm

Crashes, spinouts on Minnesota highways during second day of winter storm

MnDOT traffic camera caught a variety of spinouts, crashes, and near misses on highways during the second day of the winter storm on Feb. 22.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Snow and gusty winds have contributed to hundreds of crashes on Minnesota roadways over the past 24 hours.

The Minnesota State Patrol has reported 202 crashes, 197 spinouts and four jackknifed semi-trucks from 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. There were 18 crashes that resulted in injuries, including one serious injury — a crash in Eagan.

Minnesota State Patrol on road conditions during winter storm

Hundreds of crashes have been reported on Minnesota roads during this week's winter storm. FOX 9 spoke with Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Gordon Shank on Thursday morning about road incidents and road conditions.

And from 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, the State Patrol reported 31 crashes, three with injuries, 52 vehicle spin-outs/vehicles off the road and one jackknifed semi-truck.

However, incidents have continued to decrease. From 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the State Patrol reported 38 crashes and 24 vehicle spin-outs/off the road.

From 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 18 crashes were reported, and only one with injury.

Gusty winds on Thursday are leading to blowing and drifting snow on area roadways during the morning commute.

Difficult driving Thursday morning due to drifting, blowing snow

Conditions on area highways are difficult Thursday morning due to strong winds that are causing blowing and drifting snow, from the Twin Cities metro and beyond.