Freezing rain has created treacherous conditions across Minnesota, leading to a surge in traffic accidents and spinouts. The icy precipitation is part of a larger winter storm system that's sweeping through the region, coating roadways with a thin, slick layer of ice. This has made even routine commutes hazardous, prompting urgent warnings from state and local authorities. Numerous crashes have been reported throughout the state as vehicles struggle to maintain traction on the slick surfaces. Emergency services are stretched thin as they respond to calls for assistance, and motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is actively working to treat roadways with salt and sand, but the continuous freezing rain is making it difficult to keep up with the rapidly deteriorating conditions.