Blizzard circumstances anticipated to influence journey in South Central and Southwest Minnesota

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation warns motorists in South Central and a portion of Southwest Minnesota that the forecasted blizzard with gentle snow and robust winds will considerably cut back visibility and make journey hazardous this afternoon and tonight.

The National Weather Service has positioned a lot of South Central and Southwest Minnesota underneath a Blizzard Warning this afternoon and night. Strong winds, gentle snowfall, slippery roads, and whiteout circumstances are probably, particularly in open areas. Drivers ought to have a full tank of fuel and a winter survival equipment if they need to journey in these doubtlessly life-threatening circumstances.

MnDOT says the forecasted storm could end in street closures or No Travel Advisories later right now because the blizzard strikes into the area.

MnDOT advises motorists to test street circumstances earlier than touring. The public can view winter street circumstances on state highways from plow and visitors cameras out there by means of the www.511mn.org web site.

In South Central Minnesota there are 83 snowplows that work on state highways within the 13-county MnDOT District 7. In South Central Minnesota, MnDOT plows 3,275 lane miles, and a mean route for drivers is 40 miles.

MnDOT snowplow operators will do their half to make highways secure, and motorists ought to keep in mind to:

• Don’t cease in visitors lanes throughout low visibility; preserve shifting slowly or pull onto the shoulder if wanted.
• Don’t drive distracted.
• Slow down to a secure pace for present circumstances.
• Stay alert for snowplows, which journey slower, flip typically or exit incessantly. Snowplows could journey over centerlines or partially into visitors to clear roads and enhance circumstances.
• Stay again at the least 10 automotive lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive right into a snow cloud.
• Turn headlights on.
• Turn off cruise management.
• Wear your seat belt.
• Be affected person and keep in mind snowplows are working to enhance street circumstances to your journey.
• Know earlier than you go – test www.511mn.org or the 511mn app earlier than you drive.

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