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Governor declares state of emergency in two counties in the middle of a blizzard

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© TNS-USA Today Images

Governor Walz has declared a state of emergency in two southeastern Minnesota counties where heavy snow and high winds are creating dangerous blizzard conditions.  

National guard personnel are authorized to rescue stranded travelers in Freeborn and Steele Counties.


Roads are closed because of the blowing snow throughout southern Minnesota. Among them are Interstates 35 and 90 south and west of Albert Lea.

NO TRAVEL IS ADVISED for large portions of southern Minnesota.The purple sections mean roads are impassable and motorists are putting their LIVES AT RISK to travel through those sections.Monitor https://t.co/xbK5MXsJli for changes in road conditions. #MnDOT #mnwx #blizzard pic.twitter.com/pGKgNZT8lx

— MnDOT District 6 (@mndotsoutheast) February 24, 2019

National guard armories in Owatonna and Albert Lea are open to provide shelter for stranded motorists.

There are reports of more than a dozen people now staying at the Owatonna facility, with more coming in from the blowing snow.  

The armories are providing cots and blankets for stranded motorists, while local volunteers have been bringing in food and other supplies to help make things more comfortable for everyone in the shelters.

Our @MNNationalGuard soldiers are on the job tonight in Albert Lea and Owatonna. Stay safe out there! Photo from @MnDPS_HSEM pic.twitter.com/kDW7wXsBL8

— MN National Guard (@MNNationalGuard) February 24, 2019

A winter storm warning remains in effect in the Twin Cities, and a blizzard warning is in effect in a large part of southern Minnesota as far north as Carver and Scott counties in the Metro.

The heaviest snowfall was southeast of the Metro, where there are reports of up to a foot of snow.  

The Twin Cities received several inches, and the high winds created some significant snow drifts.

The forecast calls for dropping temperatures, with highs on Monday expected to be in single digits.

1150 AM Update: Blizzard conditions are expected to continue this afternoon. Travel continues to be dangerous across most of MN/WI. Check https://t.co/1fatflpTZl & https://t.co/5nfshtJKOJ for the latest road conditions.#mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/VkoEXFNtz5

— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) February 24, 2019

The forecast is also calling for more snow on Tuesday, with skies clearing on Wednesday.