Sunday, February 10 2013 2:44 PM EST2013-02-10 19:44:49 GMT
Due to the rapidly deteriorating driving conditions, county and state officials are urging drivers to avoid traveling in several western Minnesota counties.
Due to the rapidly deteriorating driving conditions, county and state officials are urging drivers to avoid traveling in several western Minnesota counties.
Freezing rain, sleet and snow have created difficult driving conditions in the Twin Cities and cancelled dozens of flights to and from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Freezing rain, sleet and snow have created difficult driving conditions in the Twin Cities and cancelled dozens of flights to and from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
MOORHEAD, Minn. (KMSP) -
Minnesota State Patrol troopers are preparing to close several highways in west central Minnesota, including Interstate 94 between Moorhead and Alexandria.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation closed the following roads at 5:30 p.m. due to near-zero visibility and hazardous road conditions:
Interstate 94 from Moorhead to Alexandria
Highway 10 from Moorhead to Audubon
Highway 210 from Breckenridge to Fergus Falls
The affected roadways will remain closed until further notice, according to MnDOT.
Motorists are urged to plan accordingly. Officials warn that it is illegal to travel on a closed road, and any driver who ignores the closure may be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail. Travelers who require rescue from a closed road may face additional expenses and penalties.
By the end of Sunday afternoon, the Minnesota State Patrol reported 239 crashes statewide, with 32 involving injuries.
Troopers also responded to two jack-knifed semi-trailers. Officials also assisted 398 vehicles that slid off the road.
Photo by Paul Blume
