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MANKATO — The Minnesota Department of Transportation has lifted all no travel advisories on state highways in southcentral Minnesota.
The no travel advisories have been lifted in the following counties: Rock, Nobles, Cottonwood and Jackson.
Motorists should still use extreme caution as most roads are partially or completely snow and ice covered. MnDOT anticipates that travel may remain difficult over the next few days due to additional snowfall, blowing and driving snow, along with snow and ice compaction.
MnDOT reminds motorists to be patient while snowplow operators work to improve driving conditions. Most snowplow crashes take place during “clean up” when motorists resume their normal speeds.
11 a.m. Post
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MANKATO — The Minnesota Department of Transportation has issued a no-travel advisory for Nobles, Rock, Cottonwood and Jackson counties today, due to heavy snow with strong winds causing reduced visibility.
"No travel advised" means that the roadway has deteriorated or visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel; there are reports of intermittent white out 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.
Although no road closures are planned at this time, MnDOT offices are prepared for interstate and highway closures if necessary.
MnDOT snowplow operators will do their best to make highways safe, but motorists should be aware that plow operators cannot see any better than other drivers and may be pulled off the highways for their own safety.
Motorists who must travel should have a full tank of gas and winter survival kit and remember to:
- Check 511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store for road condition information, travel alerts
- 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.
Original Post: 6:37 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3
SIOUX FALLS, S. D. — The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from now until 6 a.m. Wednesday for Nobles, Rock, Cottonwood and Murray counties.
Heavy mixed precipitation is expected, with additional snow accumulations of 5 to 13 inches and ice around one-tenth of an inch. Winds will gust as high as 35 miles per hour.
District 518 schools will be closed today, with no e-learning.
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Nobles County offices, Worthington and Adrian libraries, and Nobles Court Administration will be closed today due to weather. All county meetings, including the elected official oath of office, county board meeting, and ditch 12 redetermination, have been postponed to a later date. All court hearings will be done remotely.
Nobles Cooperative Electric will be closed today due to inclement weather. Linemen will remain on call for outages.
The Globe office will also be closed today.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, and hazardous conditions could impact commutes.
Heavy snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible through Tuesday morning, producing near-zero visibility at times. Small fluctuations in the storm track are still possible, which could impact forecast precipitation type and amounts.
Those who must travel should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.
Osceola, Dickinson and Jackson counties
An ice storm has been issued from now until noon today, and a winter weather advisory to follow until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Significant icing is possible, with additional snow accumulations up to 4 inches and ice accumulations up to a quarter of an inch. During the winter weather advisory, mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations will be up to 2 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Winds will gust as high as 35 miles per hour.
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People should plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, and hazardous conditions could impact morning or evening commutes.
Travel is strongly discouraged, and those who must travel should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power outages, slow down and use caution while driving.
Pipestone County
A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday, with heavy mixed precipitation and additional snow accumulations of 6 to 15 inches as well as ice accumulations of a light glaze. Winds will gust as high as 40 miles per hour.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible, and windspread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
Heavy snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are possible through Tuesday morning, producing near-zero visibility at times.
Those who must travel should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.
