Travel not advised across west central Minnesota
WILLMAR – Travel is not advised this morning in much of west central Minnesota due to heavy snow and reduced visibility, the Minnesota Department of Transportation says on its511 traveler information website.
Other roads in west central Minnesota and southwest Minnesota are described as in difficult driving condition due to ice and blowing snow, and roads in parts of central Minnesota are described as in hazardous driving condition due to blowing snow, freezing rain and reduced visibility.
As of 11:00 p.m. Sunday, the MNDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol had closed three major highways:Interstate 94 from Moorhead to Alexandria,Highway 10 from Moorhead to Audubon,Highway 210 from Breckenridge to Fergus Falls
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.
Ablizzard warningremains in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of 50, are forecast by the National Weather Service. Visibility of a quarter mile or less, including near zero visibility in open areas, is expected. The Weather Service says blowing snow will create whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous.
Susan Lunneborg of the West Central Tribune contributed to this report.
