597 Crashes After MN Snowstorm; Numerous Snow Emergencies

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Up until this week, many of you have not dealt with snow and ice on the roads. Saturday night's snow storm has left much of Minnesota covered in white -- which is affecting flights, travel conditions and visibility.

Nearly 100 flights at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have been canceled.

Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Mendota Heights, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Rutledge and West St. Paul have also declared snow emergencies for Sunday, until streets are plowed full width. Several snow emergencies don't begin until 9 p.m. while others are in effect now. Check with your local community for more information.

There have been multiple accidents statewide since 9:30 p.m. The State Patrol said there were 597 crashes, 61 including injury and one fatal.

One crash at 35W and 46th Street involved two vehicles ended with one person being taken away in an ambulance. Their condition is not known.

Another crash on 35W at County Road C in Roseville created a bit of a mess. No word if anyone was injured in that crash.

It Just Keeps Snowing

For many, the snow long overdue: Good times in the snow with family.

"You're never too old to play in the snow," said Joy Ann McChesney.

The McChesney's mixed a little fun with work, using a shovel not only to clear the drive, but to help build a snowman.

Hyland Hills was the place to be, fresh powder and lots of people anxious to attack the hill. But it wasn't all fun and games.

Clearing sidewalks, cars or just moving about on slippery sidewalks reminded us of how this beautiful white stuff can also be a pain.

It's going to be a busy night for Jay Mendoza's Happy Yard landscape services.

"I got a hundred houses to do tonight," said Jay Mendoza. "Too quick, too fast. I was expecting three to four inches by time, but, you know, not this bad."

Sean Eddings is delivering Thai Food, on his bike.

"Figure out exactly how to turn and what not without falling," Eddings said.

In south Minneapolis, the streets are challenging for anyone trying to get around without a four-wheel drive.

"We're letting people know it might be a little longer. Even in a car it might be kind of tough delivering, but right now people seem to be appreciative of our efforts," Eddings said.

This is the season of neighbor helping neighbor.

These Good Samaritans tried to help a man free his truck from a snow pile.

It took a little help from WCCO's Reg Chapman to get the truck on its way. If nothing else, this first significant snow fall of the year brings us all together in our battle against the elements.