Travel Not Advised as Blizzard Conditions Blanket Rochester & Southeast Minnesota
Travel will be hazardous to dangerous through tonight. Drivers are encouraged to alter their plans to avoid traveling during this winter storm
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Minnesota Department of Transportation is not advising travel on the major roadways in Rochester and throughout southeastern Minnesota.
Read More: Rochester Now Included in Blizzard Warning, New Snowfall Prediction Issued
Rochester is included in a Blizzard Warning that began at noon on Sunday and is set to expire by 9:00 Monday morning. The forecast is calling for moderate to heavy snowfall and wind gusts as high as 45 mph.
Rain preceded the snow and falling temperatures caused a slushy layer to form underneath the mounting snowfall.
Sunday morning’s forecast called for 5-10 inches of snow in Rochester by Monday morning. Other communities in southeastern Minnesota could see up to a foot of snow by Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
“Travel will be hazardous to dangerous through tonight. Drivers are encouraged to alter their plans to avoid traveling during this winter storm,” a MnDOT news release says.
MnDOT is advising against travel in Olmsted, Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona Counties. Officials are also instructing tow trucks to not respond to roadside incidents until conditions improve.
Officials have closed Interstate 35 south of Albert Lea. MnDOT says the closure is anticipated to stay in place until Monday.
The interstate's southbound lanes are also closed between Owatonna and north of Albert Lea due to crashes.
Travel throughout Minnesota has been difficult since Sunday morning.
The State Patrol responded to 179 property damage crashes between midnight and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. 12 of the crashes have involved injuries.
There were also five spinouts, seven jack-knifed semis and 163 vehicles off the road during that time span, according to the State Patrol Public Information Officer.
A large swath of southern and southwestern Minnesota is also under a No Travel Advisory.
Story updated to include I-35 closures.
Hidden Rochester Minnesota Gem: The Nuss Antique Truck Collection
Gallery Credit: Andy Brownell
