Strong winds, icy conditions, stranded motorists, multiple crashes
The Blizzard Warning from the National Weather Service continues now until 6 p.m. today (Monday, February 8). Blizzard conditions are expected to continue through this afternoon, and strong winds will continue to produce blowing snow. Winds are gusting as high as 50 miles per hour (mph), and often combine with snow showers to create periods of whiteout conditions.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) continues to advise motorists in southwest Minnesota of closures on Interstate 90 and nearby state highways. Any highways not closed remain at travel not advised.
Southwest Minnesota road closures that remain include –
+ I-90 from Worthington to Fairmont.
+ Minnesota State Highway #60 from Worthington to St. James.
+ Highway #71 from the Iowa border to Jackson.
+ Highway #86 from the Iowa border to Highway #60.
Roads in southwest Minnesota now open include –
+ Highway #4 from the Iowa border to north of St. James.
+ Highway #30 from Westbrook to Highway #4 at St. James.
+ Highway #62 from Fulda to Windom.
+ Highway #71 from Jackson to Highway #14.
Counties affected include Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Nobles and Watonwan.
The closures will remain until further notice as plow drivers and law enforcement continue to fight the strong winds, icy conditions and assist stranded motorists and handle multiple crashes.
Motorists are advised not to travel until conditions improve and MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol open the roads.
When the highways re-open, MnDOT will update www.511mn.org as each highway opens. Motorist should expect compacted snow and icy conditions from the blizzard.
South-central highways have been upgraded, but caution is advised as winds continue to gust reducing visibility and motorists can encounter icy spots from the blowing snow.
Motorists should plan accordingly. When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
Travel may only begin to improve by sunset.
