Minneapolis, Minnesota – A wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and light snow led to slick road conditions across Minneapolis and the Twin Cities early Monday, creating hazardous travel during the pre-dawn hours.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, precipitation developed overnight and continued into the early morning, resulting in a slippery start to the day. A 3:00 a.m. travel update showed widespread impacts on road conditions, particularly on untreated surfaces, bridges, and ramps.
Minnesota Department of Transportation road condition maps indicated a mix of partially covered and completely covered roadways across the metro and surrounding areas, with some stretches reported as travel not advised in western portions of the region. Images from US-169 near Jordan showed wet, reflective pavement consistent with freezing precipitation.
While snowfall amounts remain limited, the combination of freezing rain and sleet significantly increases the risk of black ice, especially where temperatures remain near or below freezing.
Conditions may gradually improve later in the morning as treatment continues and precipitation tapers, but slow travel and reduced traction are likely during the early commute.
The timing may affect morning commuters, students, and early-shift workers, particularly those traveling before sunrise.
Drivers are encouraged to check 511mn.org for the latest road conditions, reduce speeds, and allow extra stopping distance while slick conditions persist.
