State Patrol Responded to Almost 1,000 Storm Related Crashes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — State troopers have responded to nearly 1,000 crashes across the state, plus another 2,300 vehicles that spun out or ran off the road.

Driving conditions remained difficult Saturday. Road crews were out in force, but the combination of snow and cold was impeding their efforts to clear roads and highways.

Officials continue to advise residents to stay home if possible this weekend.

Conditions have been so bad that Governor Mark Dayton declared a state of emergency in some parts of the state. He called out the National Guard to help rescue stranded drivers. Nearly 300 people spent time in shelters set up in eight counties southwest of the Twin Cities.

The State Patrol responded to more than 4,400 calls for service, including about 1,100 stalls and 74 jackknifed semi-trucks.

Storm related power outages continued into the weekend in southeastern Minnesota.  Peoples Energy Cooperative reported that its crews finally restored power to its last affected customer around 9:30 Saturday night.