Hundreds of Crashes, Spinouts Across Southern Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _  The Minnesota State Patrol reports hundreds of crashes and spinouts as a powerful winter storm sweeps across the southern half of the state.

As of 8:45 p.m. Monday, the patrol reports 231 crashes statewide since midnight. Fourteen of those crashes involved injuries, and a serious injury accident happened in Eden Prairie, but no fatalities are reported. 435 vehicles spun out or left the road, and 41 jack-knifed semis were reported.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has lifted a no travel advisory for parts of southwest Minnesota. But the agency says motorists should be aware the blowing snow is still an issue.

The National Weather Service reports 17 inches of snow fell near Owatonna as of
late Monday afternoon.