MN Road Conditions Update: Snowstorm Shuts Down I-94, Dangerous Travel Across Minnesota

A powerful late-December blizzard has plunged much of Minnesota into white-out chaos, forcing MnDOT to pull plows from several highways and issue a no-travel advisory across broad stretches of Interstate 90 and state routes in the south-central region. Gusts topping 45 mph are whipping freshly fallen snow into near-zero visibility, leaving motorists stranded, vehicles jackknifed and dozens of roads virtually impassable. State Patrol reports between midnight and noon Monday list 179 property-damage crashes, 12 injury crashes and more than 160 vehicles spun out or in the ditch, alongside seven jackknifed semitrailers on slick rural corridors. Troopers warn that crash totals are climbing as holiday travelers attempt to return from Christmas gatherings ahead of the New Year. Snow totals range from 8–14 inches along the I-35 corridor to more than 18 inches in parts of the Minnesota River Valley, with drifts piling higher than car hoods in open country. The National Weather Service maintains a Blizzard Warning through Monday evening for southwestern and south-central counties, cautioning drivers that “travel will be very difficult to impossible.” Real-time MN road conditions show complete closures of Highway 60 from Worthington to Mankato, segments of U.S. 14 near New Ulm, and rolling shutdowns on I-90 from Fairmont eastward as plows pause until winds subside. MnDOT urges residents to stay put, keep emergency kits in vehicles and check the 511 MN app before venturing out once restrictions lift. Forecasters say snow will taper overnight, but brutal wind chills to –35 °F will flash-freeze any slush Tuesday morning, prolonging hazardous pavement conditions. Motorists are advised to delay non-essential travel, reduce speed, increase following distance and watch for emergency responders clearing stalled cars. With plows prioritized on interstates and U.S. highways, county roads and residential streets may remain unplowed into Tuesday afternoon. Commuters in the Twin Cities should anticipate reduced lanes, lingering ice patches and extended drive times during the first post-storm rush hour. Key tips for navigating current MN road conditions: • Use MnDOT’s 511 map for live closures and camera feeds. • Pack blankets, water, chargers and a full tank in case you are stranded. • Avoid passing snowplows; stay four car lengths back to allow operators room to work. • If you skid, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Stay tuned to local media and MnDOT channels for the latest Minnesota road condition updates as crews battle one of the season’s most disruptive snow events.