MnDOT advising no travel on all state highways in South Central Minnesota
Heavy snow, strong winds, and limited visibility create hazardous driving conditions
MANKATO, Minn. – (6:15 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has issued a No Travel Advisory starting at 7 a.m. today, March 15, for all state highways and Interstate 90 in South Central Minnesota. Blowing snow and strong winds are creating blizzard conditions and are making travel difficult.
The no travel advisory includes state highways and Interstate 90 in the following South Central Minnesota counties: Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Nobles, Rock, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan.
Motorists are advised not to travel in these areas until conditions improve. South Central Minnesota currently remains in a Blizzard Warning until Monday morning. Conditions are expected to remain difficult today until they gradually improve on Monday.
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 intermittent whiteout conditions; and, some weather conditions can be severe enough that road treatments, such as salt or sand, are not effective.
Although no road closures are planned at this time, MnDOT offices are prepared for interstate and highway closures if necessary.
MnDOT snowplow operators will do their best to make highways safe, but motorists should be aware that plow operators cannot see any better than other drivers and may be pulled off the highways for their own safety.
If you must travel, motorists should have a full tank of gas and winter survival kit and remember to:
- Know before you go – check 511mn.org or the 511mn app before you drive.
- Don’t drive distracted.
- Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions.
- Stay alert for snowplows, which travel slower, turn often or exit frequently. Snowplows may travel over centerlines or partially into traffic to clear roads and improve conditions.
- Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive into a snow cloud.
- Turn headlights on.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Wear your seat belt.
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
Sign up for travel alerts
Motorists can sign up for email or text travel alerts for state highways at mndot.gov/d7 by clicking “Email and text updates” under the “Connect with us” heading. Choose to receive messages via email or text message. Then, choose the “South Central MN” under the “Travel Alerts” category.
Important
Road conditions shown on 511mn.org only reflect state highway conditions. Please check with your county, city, and township for their road conditions and travel guidance.
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