State plows continue to clear state highways in southwest Minnesota
MnDOT reminds travelers that road conditions could become hazardous overnight
WILLMAR, Minn. (2:30 p.m.) – MnDOT crews in southwest Minnesota have been out clearing state highways since 3:00 a.m. and will continue to plow state roads as long as necessary to keep state roads clear.
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for all of southwest Minnesota, including Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, and Yellow Medicine counties. According to the NWS, strong winds and blowing snow are forecasted for this evening through Saturday, with wind gusts as high as 30-40 m.p.h. at times. Blowing and drifting snow can cause low visibility and hazardous driving conditions. With the subzero temperatures, NWS advises that conditions could be life-threatening if travelers were to become stranded.
Travelers should consider changing travel plans until the blizzard warning is no longer in effect. If travel is necessary, monitor the National Weather Service forecasts for the latest information and 511mn.org to see road conditions, weather alerts and travel advisories. If No Travel Advisories are issued or roads are closed, they will be posted on 511mn.org.
Sign up for travel alerts
Travelers can sign up for text or email messages for state highway advisories. The counties included in travel alerts for southwest Minnesota are Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, and Yellow Medicine. Notifications by text/email will be for road situations that will help travelers make informed travel decisions, including no travel advisories and road closures due to weather-related conditions.
Sign up for email or text travel alerts at MnDOT's website by clicking “Email and text updates” under the “Connect with us” heading. Choose to receive messages via email or text message. Then, choose the “Southwest MN Travel Alerts” under the “Travel Alerts” category.
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