State Patrol investigating 20-vehicle crash north of Brainerd as snow, high winds move through state
Make sure to secure any loose items in your yard and bring the garbage and recycling bins in – wind speeds are expected to increase throughout the afternoon and evening in the metro area.
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In addition to high wind speeds, snow is also moving through the region. The combination of snow and high winds is expected to cause visibility to drop in areas, such as open farmland.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind advisory and a winter weather advisory for a large part of the viewing area starting at 12 p.m. Friday. They are scheduled to expire at 9 p.m.
The advisory states wind speeds of 25-35 mph are expected, as well as gusts of up to 55 mph. Blowing snow is also likely expected, especially near and north of I-94 in Minnesota.
CLICK HERE for the latest weather alerts.
The Minnesota State Patrol said Friday afternoon that it was investigating a crash involving 20 to 30 vehicles north of Brainerd.
A plow camera shows conditions in northwest Minnesota on Friday, February 18.
The crash happened at around 11:45 a.m. on Highway 371 near Gull Lake Drive, according to the State Patrol.
The agency said not all of the vehicles involved were damaged, as some went off the road to avoid the hazard.
Only non-life-threatening injuries were reported, although no official details or number of injuries were immediately available.
A number of the involved motorists were taken to a local fire hall while crews cleaned up the crash scene, the State Patrol said.
The road was still closed in both directions at 4 p.m.
Also Friday afternoon, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office noted bad travel conditions that led to a jackknifed semi.
Earlier Friday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) said multiple roads were closed across northwest Minnesota due to blowing and drifting snow. In addition, Minnesota State Patrol troopers reported zero visibility in that same region.
MnDOT also reported multiple crashes across the state, including crashes on Highway 371 near Brainerd and Nisswa. One of the crashes happened between Ojibwa Park Rd. N and Peterson Rd, which closed the road. Drivers were encouraged to look for detours. Road conditions were listed as partially covered in the area early Friday afternoon.
MnDOT is also asking drivers to check road conditions before heading out.
Meteorologist Matt Serwe says snow arrived in the west metro area around 11 a.m.
Serwe says driving could be rough between noon and 3 p.m. in the Twin Cities area and south.
The NWS adds the winds could cause tree limbs to be blown down, as well as a few power outages.
In addition, some school districts have chosen to close early Friday. You can find an updated list of closures by CLICKING HERE.