Update: road closures and no travel advisories in place for southwest MN overnight
WILLMAR, Minn. – (6:00 p.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has moved Highway 14 and all state highways south of Highway 14 in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Pipestone, and Redwood counties from a no travel advisory status to road closed. Blowing and drifting snow have created hazardous driving conditions. The road closures will remain in place overnight and conditions will be reevaluated on Thursday.
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 may apply.
Several new No Travel Advisories
MnDOT has also issued no travel advisories on the following state highways in Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood and Yellow Medicine counties.
- Highway 75 from Lake Benton to Ivanhoe
- Highway 23 from Florence to Cottonwood
- Highway 91 from Highway 14 to Russell
- Highway 59 from Hwy 14 to Clarkfield
- Highway 68 from Highway 71 to Canby
- Highway 19 from Ivanhoe to Vesta
Strong winds and blowing snow are creating intermittent whiteout conditions and drifts which are quickly backfilled as soon as they are plowed. No travel is advised overnight at minimum. Travelers should check 511mn.org tomorrow for current road status.
No Travel Advised means that the roadway has deteriorated and/or visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel; there are reports of whiteout conditions; and some weather conditions can be severe enough that road treatments are not effective, and conditions can become life-threatening for stranded travelers.
Additional advisories and closures possible
As the storm moves through southwest Minnesota overnight, additional road closures and no travel advisories are possible. People are asked to stay home until conditions improve and check 511mn.org before making travel decisions.
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