Troopers with the Minnesota State Patrol continue to respond to not only crashes and slide-offs, but vehicles suffering mechanical issues as well thanks to the bitter cold.
Lt. Gordon Shank with the State Patrol talked to WCCO about the new phase of the storm which is the wind.
“It’s a new challenge, and it’s going to blow snow onto the roadways, off of other vehicles,” Shank says. “And it’s also another good point to bring up. Make sure you’re clearing your vehicles of the snow and ice. If that comes off your vehicle, you’re going to cause an impact to traffic behind you. So it’s a good reminder and it’s required by law, make sure you clear your vehicle of any debris before you leave your house or your workplace, wherever you’re going.”
Speaking to KSTP-TV Chief Political Reporter Tom Hauser on the WCCO Morning News, Shank says that between 9:30 Wednesday night and 7:30 Thursday morning, the State Patrol responded to 47 crashes around the state, over 100 slide-offs and one jack-knifed semi.
Shank says they're now getting ready for the wind, which will cause havoc especially on the open areas of the state. According to WCCO Chief Meteorologist Paul Douglas, any open areas outside of the Twin Cities metro will see blizzard conditions.
As for deciding whether or not to shut down a stretch of road because of poor driving conditions, Shank says that decision is made by MnDOT.
“MnDOT is ultimately the one who will make that decision and that call, and we’re supportive when they do,” Shank explains. “When they decide to make that decision we will support whatever they need to do that. And ultimately it’s for the greater good of public safety and traffic safety. It can be frustrating for drivers and we do understand that, but ultimately we have to make sure that we’re focused on saving lives and protecting anyone from potentially being in a life-threatening situation.”
The story at MSP Airport has been a bit better. Despite some cancellations across the country, flights at MSP have been running mostly normal. Airport spokesperson Jeff Lea says so far, so good.
"The good news is that operationally, MSP looks good," Lea told Hauser on the WCCO Morning News. "After up to eight inches of snow, we have a fully operational airfield. The harder part is around the Midwest and the Rockies, there's more weather trouble."
Lea says as of this morning there have been around 1,200 cancellations around the U.S., many of those in Chicago and Denver.
Travel will continue to be very difficult throughout the next 48 hours.
If you do need to drive Thursday and Friday, make sure you leave plenty of time to get to your destination, bring blankets, warm clothes and make sure your cell phone is charged in case you do become stranded.
"It's going to be hard for MnDOT to keep these roads open," WCCO’s Paul Douglas says. "Friday will be peak blizzard conditions and the concern of course is these wind chills of 30 to 40 below, if you do get stuck. If you walk and try to get help, it could be potentially deadly."
If it feels like it's been a snowy start to this winter, you're right. 32 inches has fallen as MSP so far which is about double the normal amount this time of year.
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