A snowstorm that swept through Minnesota overnight and into the early hours of March 5 turned the state’s roads into a scene of chaos. With heavy snow, strong winds, and reduced visibility, drivers faced hazardous conditions, resulting in dozens of accidents and skids. The Minnesota State Patrol reported 70 crashes with property damage and 111 vehicles off the road between midnight and 7 a.m. The situation was particularly dire in the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota, where the mix of snow and wind gusts exceeding 40 mph worsened the problems. Authorities warned of challenging travel conditions, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) even advised against travel in several areas. Forecasts suggest the snow will taper off by Wednesday morning, but the impact on roads is expected to linger throughout the day.
In the Twin Cities, roads were completely snow-covered at dawn, according to MnDOT. This led Metro Transit, the region’s public transportation provider, to suspend bus services indefinitely. Traffic cameras captured dramatic moments, such as a semi-truck hanging off the edge of an overpass in Maplewood, requiring a tow crew to intervene. The incident, which occurred during the storm, temporarily closed the overpass and underscored the risks drivers faced amid the severe weather.
Southern Minnesota saw an even graver situation. Interstate 90 between Luverne and Albert Lea was shut down Wednesday morning due to impassable conditions. Meanwhile, a blizzard warning remained in effect for much of the region until the afternoon, with a winter storm warning covering the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. Clearing the roads is expected to take time, even after the snowfall ends around noon.
Road impacts highlight the storm’s severity
The storm’s strength was clear in the figures released by the Minnesota State Patrol. In addition to the 70 crashes with property damage, there were 25 vehicle spinouts, seven jackknifed trucks, and two accidents with injuries reported by 7 a.m. These statistics, gathered over just seven hours, reflect the event’s intensity and the challenges faced by drivers and emergency crews. Updates to these numbers are expected later in the day as more reports come in.
Striking scenes unfolded across the state that morning. During a live broadcast of a local news traffic update at 5 a.m., a vehicle spun out on the snow-covered road in real time. The incident, caught on camera, illustrated how snow and ice turned highways into traps for motorists. In Maplewood, the rescue of a semi-truck teetering on an overpass edge kept crews busy for hours, highlighting the added dangers for heavy vehicles during the storm.
Winds gusting over 40 mph in the Twin Cities further compounded the issues. Visibility dropped sharply in many areas, and accumulated snow slowed the efforts of plows and maintenance teams. In southern Minnesota, where the blizzard warning was active, conditions were described as “extremely hazardous,” prompting MnDOT to urge drivers to avoid unnecessary travel west of Interstate 35.
Storm timeline and what to expect next
The snowstorm that hit Minnesota followed a pattern typical of March events but stood out for its above-average intensity. Here’s a breakdown of key moments and forecasts for the rest of the day:
- Midnight to 7 a.m.: The most critical period, with 70 crashes and 111 vehicles off the road reported by the State Patrol.
- Wednesday morning: Heavy snow transitions to lighter flurries, though strong winds persist, hampering visibility and road clearing.
- Noon: Snowfall expected to end, with gradual road recovery beginning.
- Afternoon: Sunny skies emerge, but winds remain brisk; clearing efforts intensify.
- Night: Cold and calm weather sets in, with breezes tapering off.
Thursday is forecast to bring clear skies and a high around 36°F, with March sunlight aiding in melting the snow. However, until then, authorities urge caution, as roads will likely remain slick in many areas.
Record snowfall marks the season in Minnesota
With 7.4 inches of snow recorded by 6 a.m. at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, this storm is officially the season’s largest snowfall in the Twin Cities. The total surpasses earlier winter events, which had been milder by comparison. The combination of heavy snow and high winds delivered a significant blow, affecting not just roads but also essential services and daily life.
As roads descended into chaos, Minneapolis firefighters battled a three-alarm blaze overnight. The fire, raging during the storm, posed extra challenges due to snow and smoke cutting visibility, though crews managed to contain it. The episode underscored the additional strain brought by extreme weather.
In southern Minnesota, conditions were even harsher. Rural areas reported snow accumulations exceeding 8 inches, and strong winds created drifts that blocked property entrances and secondary roads. Authorities reinforced their no-travel advisories, citing the risk of becoming stranded in the blizzard.
Details that reveal the problem’s scope
The snowstorm produced a string of incidents that highlight the dangers faced in Minnesota on Wednesday. One of the most notable was the semi-truck in Maplewood, left dangling off an overpass after losing control on the icy road. Rescuing the vehicle required closing the overpass and deploying heavy equipment to prevent a potentially disastrous fall.
Other moments stood out as well. On a highway near the Twin Cities, a driver spun out live during a 5 a.m. TV traffic update, serving as a stark warning to viewers. Additionally, the State Patrol recorded seven jackknifed trucks, showing how large vehicles were particularly vulnerable to the storm’s effects.
The suspension of Metro Transit buses disrupted thousands of residents who rely on public transport. Announced Wednesday morning, the decision reflects the dire state of Twin Cities streets, where even essential services had to halt. The system is expected to resume once conditions improve, though no timeline has been set.
Recovery forecast and days ahead
Despite the chaotic Wednesday morning, the forecast offers relief for Minnesota residents. Snowfall should cease by noon, giving way to afternoon sunshine. While winds will linger for a few hours, road clearing is expected to progress, particularly in urban areas like the Twin Cities. In rural regions, however, the process may lag due to deeper snow and limited access.
Thursday promises calm weather. With highs near 36°F and clear skies, March sunlight will help melt accumulated snow. Still, officials warn that some road sections may stay slippery, especially where ice formed overnight. Drivers are advised to check conditions before heading out.
Key storm facts:
- Season’s biggest snowfall: 7.4 inches at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
- Wind speeds: Gusts over 40 mph in the Twin Cities.
- Closures: Interstate 90 shut down between Luverne and Albert Lea.
- Transit impact: Metro Transit bus services suspended.
This March storm, while not unusual for the region, surprised many with its intensity and the widespread disruption it caused in a short span.
