It’s Tempting – But Don’t Do This in Minnesota During a Storm

This has been one of the stormiest summers I can remember.  It's been crazy.  And not just rain, it's been crazy severe weather all over the place.  Mostly it has been to the South of St. Cloud where the really severe weather has occured.  But in St. Cloud and the surrounding area, it has definitely been very wet.

At least we are out of the drought, right?  That's about the only positive I can see out of this unusally stormy weather we have been experiencing.

LOTS OF BAD WEATHER

When the weather gets bad while you are driving, it can be very tempting to stop under a bridge on the interstate or highway.  You can wait out the really bad weather, especially when it gets difficult to see through the rain on your windshield.  Sometimes your wipers can't keep up with the torrential downpour.

DON'T DO THAT

This was as situation just a few days ago when we had yet another storm blow through the area.

The problem is that it causes more traffic backups in already challenging driving conditions.

Via Bring Me the News:

"Do not stop on the shoulders or ramps, unless it is an emergency," the State Patrol said, warning that non-emergency stopping could result in a ticket.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO

They are saying that what you should do if you find yourself in this situation is to take the nearest exit and maybe wait the storm out in a parking lot.  I'm sure that is much safer than sitting under a bridge, and you are only to stop if it's an emergency (as stated above).  In my view, if you cannot see because of the rain, wouldn't that be in emergency?  Although it does pose the threat of others not being able to see you and possibly turn into a rear - ending situation.  No one wants that.

The state patrol also suggests to watch the weather. If you don't feel comfortable driving in those conditions, wait the storm out before heading out.

Get our free mobile app