The Minnesota Department of Transportation has expanded a no travel advisory to portions of northwestern Minnesota due to low visibility and dangerous driving conditions. High winds and blowing snow are causing whiteout conditions.
The expanded no travel advisory now includes all highways in Norman County and western Polk County located south of Highway 2. The advisory does not include Highway 2. It applies to the following locations:
Highways added to the no travel advisory:
- Highway 9- between Highway 2 and Barnesville
- Highway 32- between Highway 2 and Tansem
- Highway 59- between Erskine and Fergus Falls
- Highway 75- between Highway 2 and Ortonville
- Highway 102- between Crookston and Fertile
- Highway 113- between Syre and Highway 71
- Highway 200- between Highway 75 and Roy Lake
With the combination of high sustained wind speeds, wind gusts and ice covered or compacted roads, driving conditions are hazardous throughout west central Minnesota leading to several crashes and spinouts. Motorists, and especially those operating large commercial vehicles without a load, should avoid all unnecessary travel.
MnDOT snow plows operate between 20 and 30 miles per hour during a snowstorm. Motorists who choose to travel must reduce their speed, watch for snow plows and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.
