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Thanksgiving Blizzard Hits Minnesota: 139 Crashes Reported

12/1/2025

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Minnesota Winter Storm

A winter storm over the Thanksgiving weekend created hazardous travel conditions across Minnesota.
Snow totals reached 11 inches in southern Minnesota and 4 inches in the Twin Cities; Minnesota State Patrol logged 139 crashes and spinouts with no fatalities.
Several cities declared snow emergencies restricting parking.
The storm should clear by Sunday, with highs in the teens and subzero overnight lows, and travelers should exercise caution on the roads.

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Great Lakes Winter Storm

A winter storm has produced snowfall across the Great Lakes, with northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula reporting over 25 inches, and Gaylord, Michigan recording 13.1 inches.
Travel remains hazardous with hundreds of crashes and injuries, and I-90 and I-94 face whiteout risks.
A second storm is expected to affect more than 40 states, causing travel disruptions as holiday travelers return home, with snowfall in Chicago and potential airport delays.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, which struck from March 11 to 14, resulted in over 400 deaths and paralyzed the northeastern United States with snowdrifts exceeding 50 inches. This catastrophic storm disrupted travel and commerce, prompting cities to declare emergencies and highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness against severe winter weather, a challenge that continues today.

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Minnesota Winter Storm

A winter storm over the Thanksgiving weekend created hazardous travel conditions across Minnesota.
Snow totals reached 11 inches in southern Minnesota and 4 inches in the Twin Cities; Minnesota State Patrol logged 139 crashes and spinouts with no fatalities.
Several cities declared snow emergencies restricting parking.
The storm should clear by Sunday, with highs in the teens and subzero overnight lows, and travelers should exercise caution on the roads.

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