I-90, SW Minnesota highways closed overnight, no travel advised

As of 2 p.m Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has elected to close all state highways and Interstate 90, from Worthington west to the South Dakota border, and from Worthington south to the Iowa border, due to blizzard conditions, according to an announcement.

MnDOT also put a no travel advisory in place at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening on several state highways and portions of Interstate 90 in south-central Minnesota due to dangerous driving conditions and poor visibility.

The no travel advisory includes state highways and I-90 in portions of Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin and Watonwan counties.

Highways closed

State highway closures include:

  • Highway 270
  • Highway 23
  • Highway 75
  • Highway 91
  • Highway 59
  • Highway 60
  • Highway 14
  • I-90 (from Worthington to the South Dakota border)

Shortly before 7 p.m. MnDOT has moved Highway 14 and all state highways south of Highway 14 in Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, Pipestone and Murray counties from a no travel advisory status to road closed due to blowing and drifting snow. The road closures will remain in place overnight and conditions will be reevaluated on Thursday.

RELATED: St. Paul, Minneapolis declare snow emergencies starting Wednesday night

MnDOT has said it will have its plows working 24 hours a day but cautions to limit travel and work from home if possible. 

No travel advisories

MnDOT has also issued no travel advisories on the following state highways in Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties.

  • Highway 75 from Lake Benton to Ivanhoe
  • Highway 23 from Florence to Cottonwood
  • Highway 91 from Highway 14 to Russell
  • Highway 59 from Hwy 14 to Clarkfield
  • Highway 68 from Highway 71 to Canby
  • Highway 19 from Ivanhoe to Vesta

Check 511mn.org

As the storm moves through southwest Minnesota overnight, additional road closures and no travel advisories are possible. People are asked to stay home until conditions improve and check 511mn.org before making travel decisions.

$1,000 violation

When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. You can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail if you violate a road closure. In addition, if you need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties may apply

What is a no travel advisory?

No Travel Advised means that the roadway has deteriorated and/or visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel. It means there are reports of whiteout conditions, and some weather conditions can be severe enough that road treatments are not effective. Conditions can become life-threatening for stranded travelers.

This is a developing story and will be updated.