Some area roads are still hazardous due to snow and ice

Though the snow ended Friday night, residents were advised to drive with caution Saturday morning as conditions remained hazardous on some roadways.

According to the National Weather Service, some roads were still partly to mostly covered in ice or snow, and there was shallow blowing snow in open areas. People were asked to maintain awareness for slick spots and proceed cautiously.

Snowfall totals varied across the Albert Lea area from 7 inches in Glenville, to 9 inches in Geneva and 13 inches in Albert Lea, according to the National Weather Service. A foot of snow was measured at the Albert Lea wastewater treatment plant as of Friday morning.

A blizzard warning was issued for southern Minnesota with a winter storm warning in western Wisconsin. Accumulating snow and strong winds were creating low visibility and dangerous travel conditions. Gusting winds of 35 to 45 mph led to whiteout conditions on rural roads.

The snow led to closed schools and some businesses, crashes and backed-up traffic on interstates 35 and 90. Semis and other vehicles driving northbound on Interstate 35 south of Albert Lea on Friday morning were at a standstill as several semis were stuck on the interstate.

As of press time, it was unclear if any injuries were reported on Friday.

According to the Weather Service, Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 32.

A chance of winter precipitation returns Monday night with a chance of sleet after midnight, mixing with freezing rain after 2 a.m. Rain and freezing rain is also expected Tuesday.