Heavy snow hits metro in time for Monday evening commute

(KMSP) - The winter storm hit the metro area Monday afternoon, and the Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until Tuesday at 6 a.m.

There were pulses of snow and the occasional icy mix across the Twin Cities metro this morning, but widespread, heavy snow came this afternoon and evening. 

As of 4:30 p.m., there were 168 crashes statewide, 18 with injuries, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. There were also 253 vehicle spin outs/off road and six jackknifed semis.

Accumulations will continue to fall until about 11 p.m., with snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour possible. The metro could see 3"-5" of snow by the mid/end of the evening commute. The snow will be wet and heavy slop, which cars will compress into a slippery and icy layer. 

Snow totals by Tuesday morning will likely be between 5"-8" in and around the metro. 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS: You can find the updated list at fox9.com/closings.

GET THE FOX 9 WEATHER APP: You can track the snow and temperatures in your specific location on the Fox 9 Weather App, which also includes a live, interactive traffic map with road conditions and active crash incidents. You can also check the updated forecast at fox9.com/weather.