Only In Minnesota: Ice Flows Shut Down Highway

Out in California, you have earthquakes, wild fires and mudslides. Here in Minnesota, we're used to our roads being icy. But not usually like this.

In another sure sign Spring has finally sprung here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, ice flows on lakes in the northern part of the state are beginning to break up, and thanks to the right wind conditions, blow right off the lake-- and onto nearby back yards and sometimes roads and highways. Which can stop traffic right in its tracks.

According to BringMeTheNews, MnDOT reported that an ice flow from Lake Mille Lacs took over a portion of Highway-169 just south of Garrison earlier this week.

The story says, "MnDOT said both directions on the roadway were “completely covered with ice.” It was cleared by about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday. One MnDOT official told the Brainerd Dispatch high winds and ice-out conditions can lead to ice flows taking over a road in just 15 minutes."

And, of course, you've probably seen this video of an ice flow coming ashore off Lake Mille Lacs in May of 2013. It sure does give a new meaning to the phrase, "Roads may be icy!"