The windwhipped snow was continuing to create havoc on highways and freeways outside the metro area this afternoon making travel dangerous, the State Patrol said. If possible, Sgt. Jesse Grabow urged people to stay off the roads in northwestern and north central Minnesota.

Even here in the metro, where MnDOT listed roads in fair winter driving condition, motorists need to be aware of changing conditions. Icy spots, especially on ramps and bridge decks, has formed and standing water will freeze as temperature continue to drop.

Currently, at 12:30 p.m., a motorist slid off the freeway on northbound 35E at Larpenteur Avenue. We also have stalled vehicle blocking the right shoulder on westbound Hwy. 55 on the west end of the Mendota Bridge near Hwy. 5.