Contacts
- Diane Beck
320-214-6421
Location
Minnesota Department of
Transportation
District 8
2505 Transportation Road
Willmar, MN 56201
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Highway 19 west of Vesta in SW Minnesota closed due to flooding
WILLMAR, Minn. – (1:00 p.m.) Highway 19 one mile west of Vesta in Southwest Minnesota is closed to due flooding.
Motorists to use an alternate route. Highway 19 will be closed until the high water recedes.
Flooding is difficult to predict and roads may be closed or restricted without warning. Motorists are advised to check road conditions in advance of travel.
Every flood is dangerous to motorists. If you must travel follow these safe driving practices (source: Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_during.shtm):
Expect the unexpected – flash floods can occur anytime, anywhere.
Flooding can knock out bridges, undercut highways and clog roads with mudslides and debris.
Drivers are warned not to drive around barricades and to check the state's traveler information Web site www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1 for road conditions, closures and alternate routes. NOTE: Please use the low bandwidth option, as current high traffic volumes cause updating delays with the high bandwidth version.
Do not drive into flooded areas.
- If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.
When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
For updated travel information, visit www.511mn.org, call 5-1-1 or log on to www.mndot.gov.