Minnesotans Urged To Stay In (If Possible) Wednesday Morning

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – More snow overnight could make for another messy and long commute Wednesday.

Hearty Minnesotans know when it snows, take precautions.

"Leave early and just slow down. It's not worth going off the road or getting stuck or bumping into somebody," driver Greg Pasillas said.

The time added to a commute can be frustrating.

"It makes my day longer and I have to drive slower and not swear in the car," Kelly Betlach said.

Kevin Gutknecht with MnDOT says the timing of a snowfall is everything.

"When snow comes right before those rush hours it is always a challenge," Gutknecht said.

Snow plows work throughout the night to clear and salt roadways. But if they haven't had time to clear by the time the morning rush hour starts, everything slows down.

"The snow plows will be out, they'll be moving snow, they'll be putting down salt but plows can only move as fast as the traffic in which they are working so if there's a lot of traffic on the roadways plows can only move so as fast as that traffic," Gutknecht said.

And that can back things up especially when it's below freezing.

"There definitely will be some issues with slippery spots on the roadway, even if we get the snow up. As the temperature drops the salt doesn't work as efficiently, doesn't work as fast, takes longer, takes more salt," Gutknecht said.

MnDOT urges motorists to heed the warnings.

"I hope I do things smart and I just suggest the same things for other people, just do it smart, take it slow and you'll get there," Pasillas said.

MnDOT ask motorists who see snowplow to keep your distance and let them work. Gutknecht said so far this year there have been 30 plus accidents involving cars and snow plows.

If you do have to travel, there's a tool to help you track your commute. MnDOT's 511 let's you see crashes, speeds and real-time cameras.