MnDOT advises southern Minnesota motorists to make plans for blizzard conditions Tuesday
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in southern Minnesota (Mankato and Windom offices) are asking motorists in southcentral and southwestern Minnesota to make plans to be safe if the forecasted blizzard holds true for Tuesday, February 2.
Motorists can assume that no unnecessary travel will be advised with the current forecast and it is highly likely that no travel advised will be announced.
With the forecasted dangerous winds and snow, MnDOT officials are preparing for possible interstate and highway closures. Visibility will be dramatically reduced, if not reduced to zero.
MnDOT snow plow operators will do their best to make highways safe, but motorists must be aware that they cannot see any better than other drivers and may be pulled off the highways for their own safety.
If you must travel, remember to:
+ Check road conditions for updates 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.
For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to www.mndot.gov/workzone.
