And likely into the day tomorrow
At 5 p.m. today (Tuesday, February 2), the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) released an advisory to southcentral and southwest Minnesota motorists that the closures on Interstate 90 and state highways south of Highway 14 are expected to remain in place through the night – and likely into the day tomorrow.
With forecasted snow and winds continuing through the night, plows will not be able to make much, if any, progress and may be pulled in if nightfall makes working dangerous. They will resume operations as early as possible tomorrow morning.
When the highways re-open, MnDOT will update www.511mn.org as each highway opens. Motorists should expect compacted snow and icy conditions from the blizzard.
I-90 from the South Dakota border to Albert Lea and state highways remain closed at this time in the following counties – Blue Earth, Brown (southern portion), Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Martin, Nobles, Rock, Watonwan and Waseca.
The closures will remain until further notice and additional closures may be necessary. Motorists are advised not to travel until conditions improve and MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) open the roads.
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.
