MINNEAPOLIS — A No Travel Advisory put in place early Wednesday morning was lifted and road closures in western Minnesota ended after a morning of dangerous driving conditions.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation reopened Interstate 94 from Fergus Falls to Moordhead at 12 p.m. after high winds and blowing snow created whiteout conditions on the roadway.
As of noon Wednesday, a large swath of highways in western Minnesota is considered partially covered with snow or ice, but there are currently no "no travel" advisories in effect. Click here to see the latest MnDOT road conditions.
Though visibility has improved across the state, MnDOT says drivers could still encounter limited visibility, especially in areas of blowing and drifting snow.
KARE news partner KVLY reported more than 100 vehicles were stranded overnight on I-94 just outside of Moorhead due to the weather conditions, with some motorists forced to sleep in their cars.
On Wednesday morning Gov. Walz declared a peacetime emergency due to conditions left in the wake of the winter storm, authorizing troops from the Minnesota National Guard to help motorists stranded due to heavy snowfall and strong winds in the western and northwestern portions of the state.
Additionally, the Kandiyohi County Sherriff's Office put a no-travel advisory in place for the southern half of the county as officials assist the Minnesota State Patrol with a crash near the Kandiyohi/Renville County line and South Highway 71.
MnDOT reminds drivers that driving on a closed road is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a 90 sentence in jail. Additionally, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road there could be other penalties and costs.
Snowplow crews will be out clearing the roads, but motorists are advised to not travel in these areas until conditions improve.
Closed roads will be marked with gates, barricades, or flashing lights on or near the roadways.
If you have to drive in winter conditions, MnDOT wants to remind all drivers to not drive distracted, stay back at least 10 car lengths behind a snowplow, turn off the cruise control and make sure to be patient.
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