Evening commute expected to be slow due to snow, icy conditions

There were reports of vehicles sliding off the road in western Minnesota early Thursday afternoon as a system that is expected to bring snow, ice and rain to the Twin Cities metro area begins to cross the state.

The incoming snow caused multiple schools to close early, including Pelican Rapids, Leaf River/White Pine Academies, and the Minnesota State Community Technical College in Wadena. There will be no after school events at Pelican Rapids.

I-94 west of Alexandria & this is heading toward Twin Cities around 3pm & expect period of Heavy Snow & Blowing Snow in Metro 3pm to 5pm ( 1"-2" heaviest north side ) then Freezing Rain 5pm to 7pm as temps hold around 30 degrees then Rain after 7pm with temps mid 30s. @KSTP pic.twitter.com/EbzZjeAOwF

— Jonathan Yuhas (@JYuhasKSTP) February 10, 2022

The Minnesota State Patrol reported there is limited visibility from blowing snow and some slippery spots in west-central Minnesota. State patrol also reported a jackknifed semi on westbound I-94 near Moorhead shortly before 12:30 p.m.

WC MN Troopers are responding to vehicles sliding off the road. Limited visibility from blowing snow & scattered slippery spots. This jackknifed semi I94 WB mp6 (east of Moorhead) no injuries. 2/10/22 12:20pm pic.twitter.com/GYDwAPNltv

— Sgt. Jesse Grabow (@MSPPIO_NW) February 10, 2022

Meteorologist Matt Serwe says snow is likely to start falling around 2-3 p.m. Thursday in the metro area, and is expected to fall steadily to heavily at times through the evening commute until about 7 p.m.

While the Twin Cities area is expected to see an inch or two of snow, areas to the north could see closer to 4 inches.

Afterwards, temperatures will climb above the freezing mark, and the snow will change to light rain. A cold front will move through Friday morning, bringing snow showers and gusty winds.

It is going to get messy Thursday afternoon. Widespread snow in the metro from about 3-7 PM, then a QUICK rain/snow transition, followed by light rain in the evening.

Only 1-2" of snow, just coming when most people are on the roads. Plan accordingly! pic.twitter.com/cXSbtjS72g

— Matt Serwe (@SerweWX) February 10, 2022

When I say a "burst" of snow this afternoon, I mean it! Visibility is below a mile under this line of snow. It will only fall for a short time, but it will fall quickly, and roads will get snow covered.

Track the snow all afternoon on the live radar: https://t.co/fOthuOAkpc pic.twitter.com/NVEVb3A21k

— Matt Serwe (@SerweWX) February 10, 2022

Radar images showed snow was approaching the St. Cloud area just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

CLICK HERE to get your full forecast, and CLICK HERE for the interactive radar.

Remember to take it slow on the roads as they will become slippery during the evening drive time.

CLICK HERE for current road conditions.