MnDOT issues no travel advisory for parts of highways, interstates

MINNESOTA (KARE) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is warning many drivers to avoid driving on the roads due to hazardous conditions.

Southern Minnesota and parts of the south metro are under a blizzard warning until at least 6 p.m. Sunday.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has declared a state of emergency in the southern counties of Freeborn and Steele, which allows National Guard members to help rescue stranded travelers.

Nearly 50 people are being sheltered at the National Guard Armory in Albert Lea. They were found stranded on various roads throughout Freeborn county, according to Freeborn County Emergency Manager, Rich Hall.

Freeborn County is getting help from members of the Minnesota National Guard, the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and the Albert Lea Fire Department.

Numerous highways are closed across much of southern Minnesota, according to MnDOT. Interstate 35 is closed from Faribault to the Iowa border. Interstate 90, from Jackson to Dexter, is also shut down.

The National Weather Service says Lewiston and Kellogg got a foot of snow overnight. Rochester and Wabasha were hit with 11 inches. Other cities’ snowfalls: Austin and Winona got 10 inches, Albert Lea with 6 inches, Red Wing with 5.5 and Burnsville with 2.8 inches.

Although snowplow operators will continue to clear the road, the snow and high wind are making visibility difficult for motorists.

MnDot also reminded drivers to obey certain road rules when driving during a storm:

Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They also may travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions
Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive into a snow cloud
Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions
Turn on your headlights and wear your seat belt
Turn off the cruise control
Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip
Don’t drive distracted

Check MnDOT’s road conditions map at www.511mn.org.