Icy roads cause crashes, delays in Twin Cities metro Monday morning

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Two semi-trucks crashed on southbound Interstate 35E near the Cliff Road exit in Eagan, Minnesota Monday morning. (Photo credit: Eagan Police Department) 

Ice-covered roads are caused crashes and delays in the Twin Cities metro Monday.

The Minnesota State Patrol says more than 260 crashes have been reported since 5 a.m. along with 182 vehicle spinouts. 

"Well, it started out with a slow commute," said Lori Cosgrove, of South St. Paul. "And then praying to God that I don't slip and fall and break a hip." 

Dozens of crashes were reported throughout the metro, too. Two semi-trucks crashed on southbound Interstate 35E near the Cliff Road exit around 9:50 a.m. Long delays are expected in the area while crews work to clear the scene. One semi driver suffered minor injuries. 

"I need to conciously remind myself while driving, when there's snow on the ground, you see it. It's a good reminder when there is glare ice, you can't see it as well. So, constantly remind ourselfs to slow down and increase following distance," said Aaron Machtemes, of the Eagan Police Department. 

Statewide, between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m., there were 173 crashes and 103 spin outs, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 88 more crashes were reported along with 79 spinouts and 8 jackknifed semis. 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising drivers to drive cautiously and give yourself plenty of time if heading out on the roads today. 

For school idstriacts, some decided to delay start times while others tried to stay on schedule only to have Mother Nature ruin those plans. 

In Hopkins, for example, the school's online system showed buses delayed up to 115 minutes. 

One mom said her young daughter was stuck on a bus for two hours after it slid down a hill and was stuck in the snow. 

"Just her safety," said the mother. "I wanted her to be safe. I didn't realize how terrible it was or else I wouldn't have let her go to school. I feel the school let us down by having kids not wait for the bus and get on the bus." 

The Hopkins school district released the following statement Monday:

The decision to start school two hours late or close altogether is based on many factors including existing and predicted weather conditions, as well as road conditions to determine the overall safety of our students and staff. Winter in Minnesota can be hard to predict, and this morning we faced worse-than expected weather conditions. While we always try to make the best decision that we can with the best information that we have, we did not anticipate the delays that we faced this morning. We sincerely appreciate the patience of our families as we navigate this challenging winter and work to keep all students safe.  

Dozens of school delays and closings are in effect Monday due to the icy roads. You can see a complete list at fox9.com/closings.

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