MNDOT: No Travel Advised in SE Minnesota

ROCHESTER, Minn. – (2:30 p.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises no travel in southeastern Minnesota because of difficult driving conditions with blowing snow and reduced visibility.

A blizzard warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for a portion of southeastern Minnesota. Blowing snow, icy conditions and reduced visibility are making travel difficult through most of the region.

The advisory is for Rice, Steele, Dodge, Mower, Freeborn, Goodhue, Olmsted, Fillmore, Houston, Winona and Wabasha counties.

Officials do not anticipate any interstate or highway closures at this time; however, motorists may encounter brief lane and road closures where crashes occur.

MnDOT snowplow operators are doing their part to make highways safe. Motorists should remember to:

• Check road conditions at www.511mn.org or call 511; it takes time to get roads back to good driving conditions.
• Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
• Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud.
• Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They may also travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
• Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.