Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has declared a peacetime state of emergency and ordered the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance and emergency relief services for stranded motorists in Freeborn and Steele counties.

The Minnesota National Guard will assist with search and rescue operations and will open armories in Albert Lea and Owatonna to be used as shelters, according to a news release.

Heavy snow and strong winds have stranded motorists, and continued storm conditions are expected to create dangerous conditions for people traveling through the area. South central Minnesota remains under a blizzard warning through 6 p.m. Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service, Albert Lea could receive 8 to 12 inches of snow and winds could gust as high as 50 mph.

The Albert Lea armory is at 410 Prospect Ave. Food and water will also be available.