MANKATO, Minn. – (3:30 p.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed highways in southwestern Minnesota due to numerous crashes and zero visibility including Interstate 90 from the South Dakota Border to Blue Earth. The closures are now in effect and include the following counties:
Blue Earth (Hwy 60 west of Hwy 60/169 junction only)
Brown (western portion)
Cottonwood
Jackson
Martin
Nobles
Rock
Watonwan
I-90 from South Dakota to Blue Earth
Roadways will remain closed until conditions improve. When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Drivers 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 could apply.
A no travel advisory has been added for some state highways in the following southwest Minnesota counties.
Blue Earth (rural areas)
Faribault
Nicollet (Hwy 111 and Hwy 22)
Sibley (Hwy 22 and Hwy 19)
Waseca
Check www.511mn.org for more specifics on closures and advisories.
Snowplows will continue to operate in areas where they can see. Snowplows will be pulled off the road when visibility makes it unsafe for them to operate.
For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store. Follow us on Twitter @mndotscentral.
NO TRAVEL ADVISED UNTIL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 in Rice County
Due to the current poor weather conditions with this winter storm, travel should be limited to emergencies only. High winds, poor visibility, dangerous wind chills and heavy snow are making for dangerous road conditions. If you are stranded or involved in a crash, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on. Do not try to walk away. Make sure you have your winter survival kit close and your cell phone charged. If at all possible, stay home and off of the roadways.