Minneota awakes to snow; local roads clear
As predicted, the storm hit the Minneota area on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
Heavy snow and strong winds overnight significantly reduced visibility and makes travel difficult, if not hazardous.
Snowplows got out overnight and roads in Minneota were open for travel. The heaviest snowfall with wind gusts still can creat near white-out conditions.
Snowplows resumed on Wednesday and motorists should check road conditions before traveling. With high winds forecasted it will likely take the snowplows longer to recover the roads for improved travel conditions, especially with the forecasted snow totals.
Outside of Minneota, the average snow plow route in District 8 (southwest and west central Minn.) is sixty miles, round-trip. Some routes are considerably longer. In good conditions it can take two and one-half hours to clear a route. In difficult conditions it can take up to four hours.
MnDOT snowplow operators will do their part to make highways safe and motorists should remember to:
- 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.
- Check MnDOT’s road conditions map at www.511mn.org