The southbound lanes of Interstate 35 from Owatonna to the Elko and New Market exit north of Northfield are closed because of dangerous travel conditions and numerous crashes, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT has advised no travel along Highway 19, east and west of I-35 because of similar road conditions, according to a news release.

The areas are part of a blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service.

A series of vehicle spinouts were also reported on Highway 52, between Zumbrota and Cannon Falls.

If motorists do need to travel, they should consult MnDOT’s road conditions map at www.511mn.org.

The release stated there are 102 snowplows in operation on state highways in the 11-county state District 6 region.

Motorists are asked to stay alert for snowplows and to stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow.

People should also slow down to a safe speed for current conditions when driving, turn on their headlines and wear their seat belts.