Slick roads and the cleanup following some major snow totals across the state are expected to slow the Monday commute.
The Twin Cities saw over half a foot, western Wisconsin was hit even harder with up to 10-inches, leading to more than 350 traffic incidents across the region, according to the Minnesota State Patrol on Sunday, with at least another 50 early Monday.
"If you can delay your travel, please don't go out there," says the State Patrol's Lt. Mike Lee.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Joe Calderone says while the heavy snow is tapering off to drifting snow, Minnesota drivers are still facing a frozen layer of slush and windy conditions.
"We're still seeing some drifting snow showers mainly around the I-35 corridor and a little bit further east into into western Wisconsin," he said. "Otherwise, by and large the event is pretty much coming to an end. We still do have some breezier winds over far western and southern Minnesota."
Road conditions are still hazardous due to icy layers under the accumulating snow, while elevated winds are still producing reduced visibility and blowing snow conditions. These elements will make for hazardous travel conditions through Monday, even with winds diminishing and partial clearing by later in the day.
"That's still gonna be an issue for at least the first half of the day if not the entire day," adds Calderone. "So, travel's still gonna be impacted from the system even though, you know, like I said, we are on the last parts of it."
If you are headed out, check the 511mn.org maps and give yourself plenty of extra time.
"With the cold temperatures you're looking at refreezing, and there's gonna be some really slick spots, especially under bridge decks on bridges and overpasses and the ramps and curves," says the State Patrol's Mike Lee. "So, people really need to pay attention to driving safely."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz even authorized the National Guard to provide support for storm operations in the southern part of the state in particular.
The Freeborn County Sheriff's office requested the help for personnel, equipment and other resources to aid stranded motorists. A "No Travel Advisory" had been issued for south Central Minnesota, including Interstate 90. Parts of Interstate-35 were closed for portions of Sunday with the stretch from Albert Lea, Minnesota to Ames, Iowa still shutdown due to hazardous road conditions.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MONDAY
* WHAT...Blowing snow and slippery roads, bridges and overpasses.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM this evening.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, are likely slick and hazardous. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.
WCCO METEOROLOGIST CHRIS SHAFFER'S FORECAST
MONDAY: Decreasing clouds. High: 12. NW 10-15 mph.
MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Low: 2. SW wind 5-10 mph.
TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy with flurries possible north. High: 28. W wind 8-10 mph.