Minnesota Snow Pictures 2016: Guidelines To Follow When On The Road Amid Whiteout Conditions

Heavy snowfall in Minnesota has caused whiteout conditions that have resulted in a number of accidents across the state. Low visibility and poor road conditions led to four crashes involving semitrailers Thursday along Interstate 694 in the Twin Cities, according to local media reports.

Blowing snow on highways across the state has made traveling very difficult, particularly in northwestern Minnesota, which is experiencing blizzard conditions this week. Local media reports said there have been no fatal accidents so far. However, several road accidents took place this week.

A semitrailer crashed Tuesday on Minnesota Highway 139, 1 mile south of Harmony, after the driver lost control on the icy road and crashed into the ditch.

The National Weather Service reported Thursday that more substantial snowstorm is expected this weekend, with at least a couple of inches of accumulating snow from Saturday into Sunday.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety issued some guidelines that must be taken while driving during the winter months.

• Make sure your car is ready for the season. Throughout the winter, keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze.
• Avoid traveling (especially alone) if severe weather is threatening.
• If your car has been outside during a snowfall, brush all the snow off before starting out.
• Adjust your speed to road conditions.
• Consider taking a cell phone with you for use during emergencies.

In case, people find themselves stranded in a car in sub-zero weather, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety suggests the following:

• Put an emergency kit together for your vehicle. Make sure that items like ice scraper/brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, sand or cat litter (for tire traction), colored cloth, blankets, flashlights and energy bars, are available in the car all winter long.
• Before venturing out, charge your cell phone and be sure you’re dressed for the weather.
• If you get stranded, call 911 and stay in your vehicle.
• While you wait for help, keep your engine turned off unless you’re sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow and ice.
• Also, be sure to keep snow off the radiator; otherwise, your engine could overheat.

Below are some photos of Minnesota shared by social media users.