Another down side to our cold snap is that stranded motorists have not been able to get through to AAA immediately.
Both AAA Minneapolis and AAA Minnesota-Iowa say so many people have been calling that the phone lines have been overloaded.
AAA Minnesota-Iowa spokeswoman Gail Weinholzer said in the wake of Monday's record 3,000 calls, the lines could not handle the call volume. At midday Tuesday, lines were still at capacity said spokeswoman Gail Weinholzer.
She said AAA is overwhelmed because of high call volumes in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois, which is enduring the bitter cold that enveloped Minnesota yesterday.
AAA Minneapolis, which serves only Hennepin County, also is experiencing heavy call volumes, said spokesman Matt Hehl. While call volume is slightly less than on Monday, some callers can't get through.
"Unfortunately it does seem to be a problem," he said of callers getting a dead sound when they call in for help.
Both Weinholzer and Hehl suggest motorists arrange for service through the AAA website or by downloading the free AAA mobile app. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android Phones and available at AAA.com.
"It's far more efficient to use the website or app," Weinholzer said. She promised that those messages are being seen motorists won't have to wonder if their request has been seen.
