Minnesota Department of Public Safety Urges People to Stay Home During Storm

(KNSI) – Minnesota officials are urging people to stay off the roads as the largest winter storm of the season rolls through the state.

Minnesota Department of Transportation Communications Director Jake Loesch says staying home is the best way the average person can help. “Staying home means fewer people on the roads. That means our crews are able to get their jobs done faster. Emergency services are able to get where they need to be. The patrols are able to help people out. The less people on the roads, the better for the next few days, it’s really going to do us all a favor.”

The state patrol also warns against driving overnight because it will take longer for help to get to you. Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Interim Director Kevin Reed talked about what to do if you get stranded. “If you are stuck, or something happens, call 911. Stay in your vehicle. That’s the safest place for you. The best thing to do is, if you have a bandana or some sort of bright cloth, roll it up in your window so that we can see or someone can see that you’re there. ”

If you must drive, slow down, buckle up, turn on your headlights, and have a safety kit. Folks should expect travel delays and very challenging road conditions. If a highway is closed, don’t use back roads because chances are they will be worse.

Minnesota has more than 800 trucks and 1,600 snowplow drivers around the state working to keep the roads as safe as possible.

Parts of Minnesota could see up to two feet of snow by the time all the snow passes on Thursday.

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