Snow snarls traffic, expected to melt by midweek

Freezing rain, turning to snow, slows traffic along southbound U.S. 52 early Monday morning. Traffic was backed up for miles along the stretch. The precipitation surprised many people in the area. Numerous crashes and vehicles in ditches were reported, particularly to the west and north of Rochester.

By , <a href="mailto:Post-Bulletin staff">Post-Bulletin staff</a>

November 12, 2013 at 4:32 PM

Rochester's short Monday morning snow storm ended up snarling traffic, causing numerous fender-benders, but didn't result in significant injuries to motorists.

The proof is in the numbers.

Rochester police reported 24 crashes with 19 of those occurring between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the city as about 0.8 inches of snow fell, creating icy conditions at intersections and on hills.

On the highways, the most significant crash was on U.S. 52 north of Rochester when a southbound vehicle slid off the road and into the northbound lanes, striking another vehicle, the Minnesota State Patrol reported. The crash occurred at 7:08 a.m.

Traffic was backed up on U.S. 52 for approximately an hour. Similar icy conditions slowed traffic on U.S. 14 into Rochester, but no significant crashes were reported.

Snow totals in the area were:

• Spring Valley 2 inches

• Caledonia 1.4 inches

• Claremont 1.2 inches

• Lanesboro 1 inch

• Elba 0.5 inches

• Stewartville 0.4 inches

Today's predicted high temperature of 27 degrees should hold the snow for a day, but it's all expected to melt through the week as temperatures climb into the 40s.