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MnDOT Digs Metro, Southern Minn. Out After Groundhog Day Snowstorm

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is continuing its process of cleaning up Minnesota roads Wednesday morning.

The snow moved into the metro around noon Tuesday and didn't let up all night, causing dangerous driving conditions.

State Patrol reported low visibility all day and asked drivers to stay off the road.

MnDOT crews worked throughout the night all over the state. They plowed the interstates and prepped for the morning commute.

As with Tuesday, MnDOT said to expect a slow crawl on the roads Wednesday morning.

As always, it's a good idea to leave early and plan on giving yourself more time to get to your final destination. If you don't have to leave the house, stay put.

On Tuesday, several people found other ways to get around including walking, biking and taking mass transit.

MnDOT watched the system approach on its road and weather information systems and knew when it would hit different parts of the state.

When the snow comes down quickly, traffic compacts it and the snow freezes and causes slippery driving conditions. Thanks to their systems, MnDOT said it was able to pre-treat roads in appropriate places. But, for the most part, crews were on standby and rolled out when the snow moved in.

Across the state, there are more than 800 plows and more than 1,400 snow plow operators ready to clear snow. In the metro, MnDOT has 250 plows at its disposal.

However, those are not all out at the same time.

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