Plows Pulled Off Roads Friday Afternoon Amid Whiteout and Blizzard Conditions

(KNSI) — The Benton County Highway Department is pulling its plows off the roads.

Officials say gusting winds are creating snow drifts and difficult driving conditions on Benton County roads. Benton County plow crews will continue clearing the roads until 3:30 p.m. Friday. At that time, the plows will be taken off the roads until 4:00 a.m. on Saturday. According to a tweet from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, if you will be traveling Friday night into the early hours of Saturday, “do so with caution and be alert for snow covered or obstructed roads. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for the conditions and that you have supplies to keep you safe in the event your vehicle is disabled.”

The Department of Transportation has also closed several highways in south central Minnesota and issued no travel advisories for others in southwestern Minnesota as winds continued to howl, and conditions deteriorated. No travel is advised in Big Stone, Stevens, Swift and Traverse counties; and portions of Grant, Pope and Wilkin counties.

MnDOT closed Interstate 90 Thursday and reopened it Friday morning but closed it again from Albert Lea to the South Dakota border Friday afternoon. Strong winds created whiteout and blizzard conditions resulting in low to zero visibility.

MnDOT District 8 tweeted around 10:30 Friday morning, “First responders are swamped with stalled and stranded travelers. Stay safe, stay home.” District 8 covers 12 counties in west central and southwestern Minnesota.

Keep up to date with the latest road conditions and road closures by clicking here.

Gusting winds are creating snow drifts and difficult driving conditions on Benton County roads. Benton County plow crews will continue their work of clearing the roads until 3:30 pm today. At that time, the plows will be taken off the roads until 4:00 am on 12/24/2022. pic.twitter.com/KK92m8S1u4

— Benton Co. Sheriff (@BentonMNSheriff) December 23, 2022