MnDOT expects evening rush hour to slow

Minnesota Department of Transportation advises drivers to stay off the roads today because of the snowy weather.

The much-hyped major snowstorm arrived with full force in the Twin City at noon. By the end of tonight, the storm is expected to drop at least 6 inches of snow, on the metro area and is likely to snarl the evening rush hour.

Minneapolis officials sent a blast e-mail asking downtown commuters heading home to avert gridlock by keeping intersections clear, as rush hour approached.

Snow emergency is declared by the city beginning 9 p.m. tonight. Snow emergency routs will be plowed between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Friday. By 8 a.m. Friday, cars should be moved from the EVEN side of regular streets and both side of parkways, until 8 p.m. The odd-numbered side of regular streets will be plowed between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday.