Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Patchy snow, freezing drizzle and even some freezing rain is creating slippery driving conditions across southern Minnesota today.

The National Weather Service is predicting the patchy snow and freezing rain will continue across the region through the late afternoon before the precipitation diminishes to flurries this evening. At this point, forecasters say they are only expecting less than a half inch of accumulating snow.

At the same time, temperatures are expected to slide through the afternoon with west winds of 15-20 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph producing wind chill readings near zero. Overnight, the temperatures could slide below zero, and with the winds continuing, the National Weather Service is forecasting wind chills of -15 to -20.

National Weather Service
National Weather Service
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The icy precipitation has already contributed to a number of traffic crashes and vehicle spin outs in southeastern Minnesota. As of noon on Sunday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation was reporting deteriorating travel conditions in the region. A number of major highways, including sections of I-90 and Highway 52 in areas south of Rochester, were completely covered by snow and ice. Many other major roadways were described as partially covered.

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The Minnesota State Patrol, local law enforcement agencies, and first responders have been busy since yesterday responding to whether-related traffic crashes and other incidents statewide. The State Patrol is reporting that, between noon on Saturday and 8:30 this morning, it had received reports of 188 traffic crashes resulting in 25 injuries. There were also 85 reports of vehicles off roadways, 10 vehicle spin outs, and three jackknifed semi-trucks.

Most of the traffic incidents occurred in areas of northern Minnesota and in the Twin Cities, where 1-2 inches of snow was reported. The snowfall totals were much higher in an area running from Duluth to the Brainerd Lakes area, where there are reports of nearly 8 inches of new snow and reports of more than 6 inches of accumulation are common.

National Weather Service
National Weather Service
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The coming blast of Arctic air is not expected to stick around long. The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures will warm into the 20s on Wednesday and possibly the upper 30s on Thursday.

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Gallery Credit: Samm Adams

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