I-90 Now Closed West of Albert Lea – No Travel Advised in SE MN the

Update: Blizzard Warning Expires in Rochester 

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A no travel advisory remains in effect for southeastern Minnesota as blizzard conditions continue across the region.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 90 from Albert Lea to Worthington because of blizzard-like conditions overnight. Westbound Interstate 90 travelers will be diverted off the freeway at Albert Lea. Interstate 35 also remains closed south of Albert Lea.

No Travel Advised

MNDOT is still advising against any travel on nearly all state highways in southern Minnesota due to drifting snow, blowing snow, and compacted snow on the roadways. Since 8 PM Saturday, the Minnesota State Patrol has responded to nearly 150 property-damage crashes and six injury crashes. There were also nearly 375 reports of vehicles off the roads and 14 jackknifed semitrailers.

More than 20 Inches of Snow Reported

Snowfall totals in the Rochester area have been in the 12–15 inch range, with the highest accumulations reported in the northwest quadrant of the city. Pine Island reported 16 inches of snow earlier today, 20 inches of accumulation was reported at Zumbro Falls, and more than 20 inches of snow fell near Wabasha. Most of those snowfall reports were from this morning and have likely increased since then.

Blizzard Warning Still in Effect

A blizzard warning remains in effect for the southern third of Minnesota, nearly the entire state of Iowa, and central Wisconsin. The blizzard warning for southeastern Minnesota is currently set to expire at 7 AM Monday. The National Weather Service says another 1–3 inches of snow is possible tonight, and wind gusts of around 45 mph are expected through the night. Blowing snow is expected Monday, with winds gusting to nearly 40 mph.

Rochester Public Transit Suspended Until 10 AM Monday

The City of Rochester has announced that Rochester Public Transit Services, including ZIPS paratransit, will resume at 10 AM Monday, weather permitting. The city has also indicated that it will implement a “soft opening” for city facilities on Monday. City services will be available virtually via phone and online platforms beginning at 8 AM, and city buildings are expected to open at 10 AM.

Rochester Commuters Should Expect Difficult Driving Conditions

Snow removal operations will continue overnight and into Monday. A news release issued by the city says that while main routes are being cleared, travel conditions are expected to remain difficult during the morning commute. Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and anticipate snow-covered and narrowed roadways in some areas.

With seasonal parking restrictions in effect, vehicles parked on city streets should be moved to the east side of the street before 2 AM Monday. Ideally, vehicles should be parked off streets to assist with snow clearing, and trash and recycling bins should be placed on driveway aprons or boulevards instead of the roadway.