Advisory for south central and southwestern Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) re advising no unnecessary travel this afternoon and evening in south central and southwestern Minnesota (Mankato and Windom offices) due to heavy snowfall and high winds creating near zero visibility at times.
The heavy wet snow is expected to create icy and snow-compacted roads.
The no travel advisory applies to the following counties: Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Martin, Nobles, Rock, Watonwan and Waseca.
With the forecasted dangerous winds and heavy wet snow, MnDOT officials are preparing for possible interstate and highway closures. Visibility will be dramatically reduced, if not reduced to zero and roads plugged with snow.
MnDOT snow plow operators will do their best to make highways safe, but motorists 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 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.
For updated information on road conditions, visit www.511mn.org or call 511.
