Due to the rapidly deteriorating driving conditions in Kandiyohi County, the Sheriff's Office is advising against any travel on state highways and county roads.
Officials say they expect road conditions will worsen as the winter storm continues over the area, especially since visibility is likely to be impacted when winds pick up out of the northwest.
Shortly before 1 p.m., the Minnesota Department of Transportation advised against traveling in west central Minnesota due to heavy snowfall, blowing snow, and poor visibility.
MnDOT officials say travel is not advised in the following counties:
- Becker
- Big Stone
- Clay
- Douglas
- Grant
- Mahnomen
- Otter Tail
- Pope
- Stevens
- Swift
- Traverse
- Wilkin
Northern Minnesota is also seeing heavy snow, and could see up to 12 inches by the time the system has moved through.
MnDOT plows are currently still on the roadways, but officials say drivers should be sure to check road conditions either online at 511mn.org or by calling 511 before attempting to drive.
Officials at MnDOT also urged drivers to give snow plows at least five car length's worth of distance because they often turn or exit frequently with little warning and may travel over center lines or partially into traffic while clearing roads.
MnDOT says patience is key when following a plow, but they say snow plow drivers will pull over in safe locations if traffic build-ups occur.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning lasting through 9 p.m., but that will be immediately followed by a blizzard warning through 6 p.m. on Monday.
By 1 p.m. on Sunday, officials in Otter Tail County also issued an advisory warning residents against traveling on the roads.
