Travel Conditions Worsening-I-90 Closed Again West of Albert Lea

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed I-90 west of Albert Lea for the second time in two days.

MnDOT spokesman Mike Dougherty says blowing snow and poor visibility have worsened this afternoon and that has prompted the decision to shut down the freeway west to the South Dakota border because of the poor driving conditions.

I-35 South of Albert Lea into Iowa is now also closed.

The same stretch of I-90 was closed yesterday evening and early today because of whiteout conditions. MnDOT is indicating it will make an announcement through social media once the decision is made to reopen the freeway.

Numerous other major roadways in south-central and southwestern Minnesota remain closed today because of the ongoing blizzard. A section of Highway 218 between Austin and Blooming Prairie is also closed due to drifting and MnDOT is advising against any travel on a section of Highway 14 from a few miles west of Owatonna to Mankato.

Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate in southeastern Minnesota through the afternoon. A blizzard warning remains in effect until 6 AM tomorrow with the forecast calling for sustained winds of 25-30 mph and gusts between 45-50 mph that will likely create significant snowdrifts and whiteout conditions.