I-35 Closing in Albert Lea as Minnesota Issues No Travel Warning

Albert Lea, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Department of Transportation is warning drivers to stay off the roads in southeast Minnesota as a powerful winter storm continues to make travel extremely dangerous with whiteout conditions greatly reducing visibility.

Officials say southbound traffic on Interstate 35 will be shut down in Albert Lea by 3 p.m. Sunday as neighboring Iowa plans to close the interstate on its side of the border.

READ MORE: BLIZZARD WARNING - Heavy Snow Band Dumps 20 Inches Near Rochester

Once the closure happens, MnDOT says I-35 southbound will remain closed until Iowa reopens the highway.

Emergency management officials are preparing shelters for diverted travelers. Troopers will be present at the closures to direct motorists.

Steele County Shelters
Owatonna Armory
2323 W Bridge St., Owatonna

Ellendale Community Center
507 2nd St. S, Ellendale

A Freeborn County shelter in Albert Lea is on alert and will open if needed.

No Travel Advisory Issued for Southeast Minnesota

At the same time, MnDOT has issued a No Travel Advisory for southeast Minnesota.

The advisory covers the entire District 6 region, which includes these 11 counties:

• Dodge
• Fillmore
• Freeborn
• Goodhue
• Houston
• Mower
• Olmsted
• Rice
• Steele
• Wabasha
• Winona

Transportation officials say similar warnings have also been issued across southern Minnesota west of I-35.

Roads Being Covered Faster Than Plows Can Clear Them

According to MnDOT, snowplow crews are still out working, but the storm is creating conditions that make it difficult to keep roads open.

Heavy snowfall rates are covering highways faster than snowplows can clear even a single driving lane, leaving many roads completely snow-covered.

Officials are urging drivers to avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary and to monitor road conditions before heading out.