Monday’s Storm Leaves Area Roads in Rough Shape

Rochester, MN  (KROC AM News) - The morning commute in southeast Minnesota is being affected by Monday’s heavy, wet snow.

MnDOT was reporting all area state roads were either partially or completely snow-covered as of  7:00 AM.

Although snow plow crews were busy Monday, the storm lasted most of the day, making it tough for them to keep up. As a result, roads are slick and many also have a washboard condition. Several area school districts decided to open late Tuesday because of the rough roads.

Monday’s storm dumped more than a foot of snow in some areas and it was the wet variety, which made it tough to shovel. Snowfall totals reported to the National Weather Service are generally in the 6 - 10 inch range.  West Concord is reporting 14 inches, Byron received more than a foot while totals in the Rochester area are more than half a foot. The Rochester airport total as of midnight was 8.1 inches.

Heavy snow and poor driving conditions led to the closure of I-35 between Owatonna and Faribault Monday afternoon. Gov Dayton authorized the National Guard to help stranded motorists and offer them shelter at the armory in Owatonna.

News Update:  Man threatened with a knife by a stranger outside a Rochester apartment complex Monday night.

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