Dangerous Arctic Cold and Icy Ramps Impact Thursday Morning Commute

Arctic Blast Brings Hazardous Travel Conditions

Minneapolis commuters are facing a brutal start to the day this Thursday, January 22, 2026, as an extreme Arctic air mass settles over the region. Following yesterday's winter storm, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the Twin Cities, with temperatures expected to plummet to near 20 below zero. Wind chills are forecasted to reach dangerous levels between minus 40 and minus 50 degrees. Local officials are urging residents to limit travel where possible and to prioritize safety if they must be on the roads.

Current Road Conditions and Highway Hazards

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reports that while major highways are largely clear of heavy snow, significant hazards remain. Commuters should be aware of the following:

• I-394: Light ice has been reported on the roadway between I-494 in Minnetonka and the entrance into downtown Minneapolis. Slippery patches are particularly prevalent on overpasses and bridges.
• I-494: Light snow and drifting are impacting travel between 34th Avenue South in Richfield and US-212 in Eden Prairie. Visibility may be reduced in open stretches due to high winds.
• Ramp Closures: The eastbound entrance ramp to I-394 from Louisiana Avenue remains closed for ongoing construction. In St. Paul, the westbound I-94 entrance ramp from 12th Street and Wabasha Street is also closed, which may affect those commuting into Minneapolis from the east.
• Local Closures: In South Minneapolis, the eastbound Minnehaha Parkway frontage road is closed at the Nicollet Avenue bridge for storm sewer infrastructure work.

Public Transport and Rail Alerts

Metro Transit is operating, but commuters should expect delays across all bus and light rail lines due to the extreme cold. Mechanical issues related to the freezing temperatures have impacted several stations:

• METRO Blue Line: Both elevators at the Franklin Avenue Station are currently unavailable; riders must use the ramp on the north side of the station. At the Lake Street/Midtown Station, the escalators and the south tower elevator are out of service.
• METRO Orange Line: Mechanical issues have disabled the southeast tower elevators at the I-35W and Lake Street Station.
• Regional Rail: Amtrak has cancelled all Borealis service between St. Paul and Chicago for today and Friday. The Empire Builder service also remains suspended through the weekend.

Commuter Safety Tips

With wind chills reaching life-threatening levels, MnDOT advises drivers to keep a full tank of gas and an emergency kit in their vehicles, including blankets and extra warm clothing. If you are waiting for a bus or train, utilize indoor warming stations where available and use real-time tracking apps to minimize time spent outdoors on platforms.