Light snow began falling in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities around 9:30 a.m., fortunately late enough to not make a huge impact on the morning rush.
But it wasn't long before motorists began crashing and spinning out their vehicles on a thin but greasy coating of snow. The Minnesota State Patrol reported 169 crashes statewide from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., along with 14 spinouts.
A MnDOT traffic cam captured a state patrol squad car that appeared to have slipped off a ramp at the intersection of I-394 and I-494.
Accumulations will likely range from a dusting in the south metro, up to 1 inch in some northern suburbs and areas farther north. Communities like Princeton and Cambridge up to Pine City and into northwest Wisconsin could see 1 to 2 inches in a few isolated spots.
In general, when it comes to the Twin Cities, expect slightly more for northern suburbs and slightly less for suburbs in the south metro.
If we do officially receive an inch at MSP International, that would be the first of the season, which on average occurs on Nov. 19.
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As always, use extra caution while driving on bridges and overpasses, which freeze more easily than solid ground.
Snow should be over by the evening commute but don't count on racing home. There still could be some slippery spots.
While the snow is falling, the thermometer is rising. Warmer air is making its way in for a warming trend that brings back the 40s by the weekend.
