St. Paul, MN (March 16, 2026) – A powerful winter storm that moved across Minnesota over the weekend led to hundreds of crashes and dangerous road conditions statewide.
From midnight on Friday, March 13, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, emergency units responded to a large number of weather-related incidents. Reports show 651 vehicles went off the road during the storm period, along with 464 crashes that caused property damage.
Officials also recorded 40 crashes that resulted in injuries and one fatal accident during the three days. In addition, 46 spinouts and 19 jackknifed semi-trucks were reported as snow and ice created hazardous driving conditions across many highways.
Several incidents occurred on Sunday, March 15, as conditions remained difficult. Between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., there were 28 property-damage crashes, one crash involving injuries, six spinouts, 141 vehicles off the road, and one jackknifed semi.
Earlier that same day, from midnight to 6:30 a.m., reports included 21 property damage crashes, one injury crash, five spinouts, 70 vehicles off the road, and six jackknifed semis. On Saturday, March 14, between midnight and 8:00 p.m., officials recorded 137 property damage crashes, 21 injury crashes, eight spinouts, 29 vehicles off the road, and one fatal accident.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crashes, and more details will be released as soon as they are provided.
Our thoughts are with those affected.
Why Winter Storms Often Lead to Large Numbers of Road Accidents
Severe winter weather can quickly create dangerous driving conditions across large areas. Snowfall, freezing rain, and strong winds may cover roads with ice or packed snow, reducing tire traction and making it harder for drivers to maintain control.
When surfaces become slick, vehicles require more distance to slow down or stop. Even routine actions such as turning, braking, or changing lanes can become more difficult. This is especially true on highways where traffic moves at higher speeds.
Storms can also reduce visibility. Blowing snow, fog, and dark winter skies may limit how far drivers can see ahead. When visibility drops, it becomes harder to react to sudden traffic changes or obstacles on the road.
Because these conditions can develop quickly, large storms often lead to many crashes within a short period of time across multiple regions.
