Valentine’s Day snowstorm contributes to hundreds of traffic crashes, moderate snowfall in north
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
A Valentine’s Day snowstorm made Minnesota lakes as beautiful as a love letter, but it also made roadways hazardous.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported 385 crashes on statewide roads on Friday, including more than two dozen with injuries. The crashes continued through the night. From midnight to 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, another 68 vehicles were involved in crashes, including five spin outs and eight jackknifed semis.
In Washington County, a 17-year-old girl died in a two-vehicle accident on Friday. Officials say the crash occurred shortly after 4 p.m. near the corner of Stagecoach Trail North and 10th Street North in West Lakeland Township, just south of Bayport. County officials say the accident may have been a factor.
Although the snow ended early Saturday, Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol reminded motorists to use caution.
“We still have a number of slippery roads and things like that,” he said.
Grabow also urged drivers to allow more time for travel, increase following distances, pay attention and always wear a seat belt.
As of Saturday morning, the National Weather Service reported these 24-hour snow totals:
Oshkosh, Wis., 5.5 inches
Fond Du Lac, 5.1 inches
Duluth, 4.7 inches
Grand Rapids, 4 inches
Tamarack, 3.9 inches
Emily, 3.5 inches
Brainerd, 3 inches
St. Paul, 3 inches
Two Harbors, 2.8 inches
Northfield, 2.7 inches
West St. Paul, 2.5 inches
Chanhassen, 1.9 inches
Byron, 1.9 inches
Rochester, 1.8 inches
Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, 1.7 inches
Mapleview, 1.4 inches
Mabel, 1.8 inches
Fillmore, 0.9 inches
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.