Slick roads create messy commute for drivers

(KMSP) - Snow throughout the day caused a messy commute for drivers in the metro area and throughout the state.

Friday morning, the metro saw a dusting of snow, but it was enough to cause hundreds of crashes. The snow later returned at about 3 p.m. just in time to slow the evening rush on the roads.

Statewide, on Friday from 1 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. State Patrol responded to 490 crashes in which 45 people were injured. Two crashes, one in Rochester and another in Duluth, were listed as serious. There was one fatal crash in Brainerd. Officials reported 341 vehicles went off the road or spun out.

In the metro area from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, State Patrol responded to 332 crashes, in which 19 people were injured. Officials report 103 vehicles went off the road or spun out.

At a press conference Friday, MnDOT leaders warned drivers of the incoming snow, but assured there will be 800 plows on the roads throughout the state around the clock.