Recent snow, high winds, extreme cold will make travel risky
The Mankato office of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has issued an advisory for no unnecessary travel in south central and southwest Minnesota later today and tonight.
Wind gusts forecasted around 40-50 mph combined with the recent snow may result in dramatically reduced visibility, especially after dark. Reduced visibility, extreme cold temperatures and uncertain road conditions could cause motorists trouble overnight.
Road surface conditions vary from blowing clean in the open areas to compaction in protected areas and black ice where traffic counts area high.
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. Plows may also travel over centerlines or partially into traffic to further improve road conditions.
* Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.
