Twin Cities, MN – With winter weather returning to Minnesota, the National Weather Service Twin Cities office is urging drivers to take extra precautions on snow- and ice-covered roads. Officials warn that even a thin layer of ice can lead to sudden loss of control, especially during early-season storms and evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service, winter road conditions contribute to more than 1,000 deaths and over 100,000 injuries nationwide each year. Many of the most severe crashes occur during the first snow events of the season, when drivers underestimate how slick roads have become.
The agency released updated guidance Thursday encouraging drivers to review basic but critical winter driving practices:
- Clean off your vehicle completely before hitting the road. Flying snow reduces visibility for you and other drivers.
- Drive slowly—even when pavement looks wet instead of icy.
- Avoid cruise control. Automatic acceleration can cause tires to lose traction unexpectedly.
- Increase following distance to give yourself more time to react, especially near snowplows.
Winter weather in the Upper Midwest can change rapidly, the NWS noted, with temperatures swinging from above freezing to icy in a matter of minutes as the sun sets or snow bands intensify. These rapid shifts often lead to black ice formation, creating hidden hazards during high-traffic periods.
Officials also encourage drivers to check regional forecasts frequently, pack winter emergency kits, and plan for extra travel time when snow is expected.
Residents can find more winter safety information at weather.gov/safety/winter.
