Update: no travel advised in additional southwest Minnesota counties
WILLMAR, Minn. – (12:00 p.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises no travel on state highways in all or portions of the following southwest Minnesota counties: Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Redwood, Renville, Pipestone, and Yellow Medicine counties. Heavy snowfall and strong winds are creating limited visibility.
Motorists are advised not to travel in these areas until conditions improve.
No Travel Advised 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 white out conditions; and some weather conditions can be severe enough that road treatments are not effective, and conditions can become life-threatening for stranded travelers.
Visit the www.511mn.org website for detailed information and updates on specific roadways. View winter road conditions from plow, weather and traffic cameras which are also part of 511.
MnDOT snowplow operators are doing their best to improve roadway conditions; however, travelers should be aware that crews cannot see any better than other drivers and may be pulled off the road for their own safety.
Motorists are asked to always check 511 before traveling to ensure that their route is not closed or under a travel advisory, make sure they have a full tank of gas and winter survival kit, and remember to:
- Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often with little warning
- 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 seatbelt
- Turn off the cruise control
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip
- Don’t drive distracted
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