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MANKATO, Minn. – As of 12:50 p.m. today, motorists are advised that Interstate 90 from the South Dakota border to Albert Lea will close to traffic again at 2 p.m. today, Dec. 23 due to blizzard conditions creating blowing and drifting snow with zero visibility. Interstate 90 had temporarily reopened to traffic earlier this morning.
Most other state highways in southcentral and southwest Minnesota are expected to remain closed today and will remain closed until conditions improve.
A “No Travel Advisory” remains on all highways that are not already closed in the following counties: Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Nobles, Rock, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan.
MnDOT warns motorists that driving conditions will be challenging due to blowing and drifting snow reducing visibility. Motorists are encouraged to check www.511mn.org for an updated list of road closures and travel advisories.
Conditions are expected to remain difficult until they gradually improve on Saturday. MnDOT encourages motorists to use caution while driving. Reduced visibility with drifting and blowing snow will still make travel difficult. Extremely dangerous wind chills could be life-threating if travelers were to become stranded.
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MnDOT reminds motorists that it is illegal to travel on a closed road and if a motorist requires rescuing, they are liable for all related rescue costs.
No travel advisory means that the roadway has deteriorated and/or visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel; there are reports of intermittent whiteout conditions; and, some weather conditions can be severe enough that road treatments, such as salt or sand, are not effective. Motorists are advised not to travel in these areas until conditions improve.
If you must travel, MnDOT recommends having a full tank of gas and a winter survival kit. Additionally, any motorists should check www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store for road condition information, travel alerts.
Any motorists on the road must stay alert for snow plows and stay at least 10 car lengths behind a plow. For safety, motorists should drive at decreased speeds, turn on headlights, wear a seatbelt, and turn off cruise control.
Motorists can sign up for email or text travel alerts for state highways at mndot.gov/d7 by clicking “Email and text updates” under the “Connect with us” heading. Choose to receive messages via email or text message. Then, choose the “South Central MN” under the “Travel Alerts” category. For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to mndot.gov/workzone/winter.html .
