MnDOT adds to list of counties where no travel is advised
Cottonwood, Jackson, Brown, Watonwan, and Martin counties included in no travel advisory
MANKATO, Minn. – (10:45 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation added Cottonwood, Jackson, Brown, Watonwan, and Martin counties in southcentral Minnesota to the no travel advisory due to heavy snow with strong winds causing reduced visibility.
A no travel advisory was enacted in Rock and Nobles County earlier this morning and remains in effect.
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; there are reports of intermittent white out conditions; and, some weather conditions can be severe enough that road treatments, such as salt or sand, are not effective. Motorists are advised not to travel in these areas until conditions improve.
Although no road closures are planned at this time, MnDOT offices are prepared for interstate and highway closures if necessary.
MnDOT snowplow operators will do their best to make highways safe, but motorist should be aware that plow operators cannot see any better than other drivers and may be pulled off the highways for their own safety.
If you must travel, motorists should have a full tank of gas and winter survival kit and remember to:
- Check www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store for road condition information, travel alerts
- Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They also may travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
- Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive into a snow cloud.
- Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions.
- Turn on your headlights and wear your seat belt.
- Turn off the cruise control.
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
- Don’t drive distracted.
Sign up for Travel Alerts
Motorists can sign up for email or text travel alerts for state highways at mndot.gov/d7 by clicking “Email and text updates” under the “Connect with us” heading. Choose to receive messages via email or text message. Then, choose the “South Central MN” under the “Travel Alerts” category.
Stay connected, informed
- Join the MnDOT South Central Minnesota Facebook group
- Follow us on Twitter @mndotscentral
- For updated road condition information visit www.511mn.org.
- For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to mndot.gov/workzone/winter.html.
