Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Update (3:15): All state highways have reopened to traffic, including Interstate 90, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Travel is still not advised on Interstate 90 west of Alden and between Alden and Minnesota Lake on Minnesota Highway 109.

Highways passing through Albert Lea remain partially covered or completely covered in snow.

Update (11 a.m.):

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday authorized the Minnesota National Guard to assist the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office in emergency response during the ongoing blizzard.

Walz declared a peacetime emergency and said the National Guard will assist in providing the personnel, equipment, facilities and resources necessary to respond to the severe weather and rescue stranded motorists.

“Minnesota is no stranger to winter weather, but conditions can quickly become unpredictable and dangerous,” Walz said in the news release. “As we work to alleviate the dangerous road conditions, the National Guard is stepping up to provide life-saving support.”

Albert Lea and the surrounding area remain in a blizzard warning through 3 p.m. with an additional 2 inches of snow possible.

The National Weather Service stated as of Wednesday morning, Albert Lea had received 8 inches of snow. Snowfall totals of 10.2 inches were reported in Ellendale and 7 inches in Clarks Grove

Snow is expected to taper off this morning. 

The Weather Service stated winds are gusting as high as 50 mph, and whiteout conditions will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only, and if people must travel, they should take a winter survival kit with them.

Visit 511mn.org for the latest road conditions.

 

Original story

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 90 west of Albert Lea at Interstate 35 as blowing snow is creating whiteout conditions.

The area remains under a blizzard warning with significant travel impacts underway through Wednesday morning.

The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page the Freeborn County Highway Department will be running plows on county roads generally only from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the county is advising no travel during the storm especially during the evening, night or early morning hours when plows will not be on the county roads.

Roads can be expected to be snow-covered, drifted over and likely impassible especially during those hours.

County roads that run parallel to Interstate 90 westbound will also not likely be passible, the Sheriff’s Office stated. Freeborn County advises motorists to seek shelter at area hotels or storm shelters as there will be no plows on county routes until 5 a.m.

Shelter is available at The National Guard Armory, 410 Prospect Ave. in Albert Lea for those needing a place to stay.

For road conditions on state highways, go to 511mn.org.