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Minnesota National Guard helps dozens during winter storm

The Minnesota Department of Transportation said more than 2,000 miles of highways across the state were closed at one point due to blizzard-like conditions.

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*Editor's note: The above video first aired Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022.

The Minnesota National Guard helped nearly two dozen stranded motorists while also providing shelter for 70 people in the Albert Lea, Willmar and Olivia areas over the weekend.

The winter storm that hit the Midwest last week made for dangerous driving conditions for parts of the state. With more than 1,000 crashes reported, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said they closed or didn't advise travel on approximately 2,000 miles of highways across the state late last week due to white out or blizzard-like conditions.

Over the weekend, Minnesota National Guard members in Albert Lea, Willmer, and Olivia recovered 19 stranded drivers and provided shelter to 70 civilians at local armories. We were happy to help the communities we serve in - stay safe and warm out there, Minnesota! pic.twitter.com/YfPs53oQJ0
— Minnesota National Guard (@MNNationalGuard) December 27, 2022

The Minnesota National Guard's response came after Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency ahead of Christmas weekend, saying, “Every Minnesotan deserves a safe holiday, and the Minnesota National Guard will help stranded motorists and ensure everyone can travel safely."

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