The Minnesota State Patrol responded to a jackknifed semi on I-94 near Alexandria Tuesday afternoon. (Minnesota State Patrol / FOX 9)

The State Patrol responded to 493 crashes statewide from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 48 of those crashes involved injuries, including one serious injury. No fatalities were reported. 614 more vehicles spun out or off roads and 22 semis jacknifed in the storm during that timeframe, too. 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic map shows most roads in the state are at least partially snow covered and roads are completely snow covered in central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro. Drivers are reminded to check the MnDOT website 511mn.org before heading out. 

The early season snowstorm is causing closures across the area. In Minneapolis, the city's absentee ballot drop off locations are closing early at 3 p.m. so election workers and voters can get home safe.

New Hope has declared a snow emergency, effective until 2 a.m. Wednesday, so the city can plow the streets. 

The snow is expected to continue through the afternoon and start to wind down around sunset. 

Snow this early in the season is not that unusual, but accumulation of more than 3 inches is. If the metro gets more than 3 inches of snow Tuesday, it would tie the record for the earliest 3-inch snowfall. 

WINTER DRIVING REMINDERS 

The Minnesota State Patrol has issued the following reminders for driving in wintry conditions: 

• Slow down 
• Increase your following distance
• Put away distractions 
• Headlights on, cruise control off
• Buckle up
• Give plows room 

Get the FOX 9 Weather App to track winter weather live on your phone, with future radar, live streaming video of FOX 9 coverage and alerts and forecasts customized for your current location and favorite locations: fox9.com/apps

To read the original report and see related stories, follow this link to the KMSP-TV Fox 9 News website.  https://www.fox9.com/news/state-patrol-reports-493-crashes-614-spinouts-as-fall-snowstorm-hits-minne...