Thanksgiving Snow Causes Snarls On Southern Minnesota Roads

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Thursday's wintry weather caused plenty of problems for drivers heading to and from Thanksgiving dinners.

As of 9 p.m. the Minnesota State Patrol reported 139 crashes, including 21 rollovers, and 64 vehicles going off the road.

Of the crashes, 33 involved injuries and one was fatal.

But on a day that we talk of family and tradition, we can't ignore the customs that come with winter weather.

Snow and ice have a way of slowing down traffic.

"There've been some slippery spots where I was, like, wondering if my car was going to swerve out a little bit," Steven Baker, of Lakeville, said.

This Thanksgiving in particular, the weather ultimately delayed the annual pilgrimage to see friends and family.

"I'm having to leave an hour earlier just to make sure I can get my girlfriend and be at dinner in time, so I make sure I'm not late for all that," Baker said.

MnDOT had its plows out early as soon as flakes started falling, focusing the attention on the southern half of Minnesota.

Yet, winter weather will almost always cause crashes.

As of 9 p.m. there were 139 crashes and 64 vehicles off the road, totaling over 200 issues.

"I don't like to travel on icy roads and lots of snow. Its kind of scary but I have a good chauffer right now," Michelle Jellinger said.

For some, the holiday travel came easier than expected.

"[We were] wondering if we would get in or get rerouted depending on how much was coming through," Nancy Anderson said of her flight.

Snow in the forecast had little impact on travelers arriving to MSP.

"I was hoping the plane would be on time and it was, so it worked out just great," David Lawyer said.

While that first brush with winter weather reminds us of what's to come, for now it's a novelty to help get Minnesotans into the holiday spirit.

State Patrol said the majority of the accidents Thursday occurred in southern Minnesota.