Minnesota’s winter weather can be challenging for travelers. At Up North Property Management, we understand the importance of staying safe on the roads during these harsh conditions.
This winter travel advisory for Minnesota provides essential tips and information to help you navigate safely through snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. We’ll cover everything from vehicle preparation to understanding road conditions and staying safe during winter storms.
How to Prepare for Winter Driving in Minnesota
Minnesota’s winters demand special preparation for safe driving. The harsh conditions can challenge even experienced drivers. Here’s what you need to know to navigate Minnesota’s winter roads safely.
Winterize Your Vehicle
A thorough vehicle inspection before the cold sets in is essential. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety recommends checking your:
- Battery (EVs in Minnesota provide a greenhouse gas reduction of at least 65 percent in most cases)
- Belts and hoses
- Radiator
- Oil
- Lights
- Brakes
- Exhaust system
- Heater/defroster
- Wipers
- Ignition system
Switch to winter-grade oil and antifreeze, which perform better in freezing temperatures. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up and provide extra fuel if you get stranded.
Choose the Right Tires
Proper tires are vital for winter driving. All-season tires lose traction when temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C). For Minnesota winters, winter tires are the best choice. They use special rubber compounds that remain softer at cold temperatures and provide better adhesion to pavement. The tread design also improves traction on snow and ice.
Install winter tires on all four wheels. Mixing tire types can lead to poor handling and potential loss of control. Check tire pressure regularly, as it can drop with falling temperatures.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Emergencies can happen despite the best preparation. Pack a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Include:
- Shovel and windshield scraper
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Water and snack food
- First aid kit
- Basic tool kit
- Battery booster cables
- Sand or cat litter (for traction)
- Extra warm clothing and blankets
- Charged cell phone and car charger
The Minnesota Department of Transportation suggests keeping enough supplies to last at least 24 hours. This precaution can save lives if you get stranded in a remote area during a snowstorm.
These steps will help you prepare for winter driving in Minnesota. The next section will guide you through understanding Minnesota’s winter road conditions, an essential skill for safe travel in the North Star State.
How to Read Minnesota’s Winter Road Reports
Decoding MnDOT’s Color-Coded System
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) uses a color-coded system to indicate road conditions. This system helps travelers plan their journeys and avoid hazardous situations. Green indicates good driving conditions, while blue signals fair conditions with some icy patches. Pink warns of completely covered roads, meaning they are 100 percent covered with rain, frost, snow, slush or a mixture thereof. Purple alerts drivers to hazardous conditions. Red means the road is closed to traffic.
MnDOT displays these color codes on their online maps and updates them regularly. Check these maps before your trip and during stops to stay informed about changing conditions. Road conditions can vary greatly over short distances (especially during snowstorms), so remain vigilant throughout your journey.
Identifying Common Winter Road Hazards
Black ice poses one of the most dangerous winter hazards on Minnesota roads. This thin, transparent layer of ice is hard to see and often forms on bridges and overpasses. Exercise extra caution on these elevated structures when temperatures hover around freezing.
Snowdrifts also present significant risks, particularly on rural roads. These can form quickly during windy conditions, creating sudden obstacles. If you encounter a snowdrift, slow down and assess whether it’s safe to proceed.
Whiteouts occur when blowing snow severely reduces visibility. If you find yourself in a whiteout, slow down immediately and consider pulling over to a safe location until conditions improve.
Leveraging the 511 System for Real-Time Updates
Minnesota’s 511 system provides valuable real-time information for winter travelers. You can access it by dialing 511 on your phone or visiting the 511mn.org website. The system offers near real-time updates on winter road conditions, traffic incidents, and road closures.
Check 511 for your planned route before setting out. The system allows you to create personalized reports for specific highways, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
During your journey, use 511’s voice-activated features to get updates hands-free. This approach allows you to stay informed without taking your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.
Understanding road conditions and using available resources can transform a potentially stressful journey into a safe, enjoyable trip to your winter destination. As you prepare to navigate Minnesota’s winter roads, it’s equally important to know how to handle unexpected weather events. The next section will guide you through staying safe during winter storms, an essential skill for any traveler in the North Star State.
How to Stay Safe in Minnesota Winter Storms
Plan Your Trip Strategically
Check the National Weather Service forecast for your route before you travel. The Minnesota Department of Transportation recommends you plan your trip around weather patterns. Avoid travel during severe weather warnings. If a storm is predicted, postpone your trip.
If you must travel, tell someone your route and expected arrival time. This precaution can save your life if you encounter problems en route. The Minnesota State Patrol advises you to keep your gas tank at least half full. This prevents fuel line freeze-up and provides extra fuel if you become stranded.
Handle Stranded Situations
If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. It provides shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. In the past five years, officers reported snowy or icy road conditions in more than 79,165 crashes (2016-2020), resulting in 181 traffic deaths.
Turn on your hazard lights and tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna (or place it at the top of a rolled up window). This increases your visibility to rescuers. Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Apply Winter Storm Survival Techniques
Conserve your resources. Use floor mats, maps, and seat covers for extra insulation. Huddle with passengers to share body heat. Move your arms, legs, fingers, and toes to keep blood circulating and stay warm. Eat snacks from your emergency kit to maintain energy, but don’t eat snow as it will lower your body temperature.
If you must leave your vehicle during the storm, the Minnesota State Patrol recommends you tie a rope to yourself and the vehicle to avoid getting lost in low visibility conditions. Always keep your emergency kit accessible (not locked in the trunk).
Utilize Local Resources
Many vacation rental companies in Northern Minnesota (such as Up North Property Management) equip their rentals with emergency supplies and provide guests with local emergency contact information. However, personal preparedness remains essential for safe winter travel in Minnesota’s unpredictable weather.
Final Thoughts
Winter travel in Minnesota requires proper preparation and caution. This winter travel advisory for Minnesota provides essential information to navigate snowy roads safely. We encourage travelers to winterize their vehicles, choose appropriate tires, and understand road condition reports before setting out.
Weather forecasts play a vital role in safe winter travel. Packing an emergency kit and maintaining at least half a tank of gas can make a significant difference in unexpected situations. If stranded, stay with your vehicle and follow the survival techniques outlined in this guide.
Up North Property Management offers vacation rentals equipped for stress-free winter getaways (including local emergency information). We invite you to experience Minnesota’s breathtaking winter landscape responsibly. Stay informed, prepared, and cautious to make the most of your northern adventure.