A reader tells the Drive that it is taking nearly an hour for commuters making their way along southbound Hwy. 169 through Champlin and Brooklyn Park. A power outage in the area is the reason for the massive traffic jam.

Anoka County rescue is at Bunker Lake Blvd. and Rum River for the second accident of the morning.

The sluggish conditions on westbound 94 from Dale Street to Hwy. 280 is due to a wreck on the ramp to Hwy. 280. Plan on 15 minutes from downtown St. Paul to Hiawatha Avenue.

Be careful on the curve on eastbound 94 where it turns south and heads to Minneapolis. Word is that it is icing up. Traffic also is heavy down to 49th Avenue.