Governor Activates National Guard to Help With Storm Response

(KNSI) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the National Guard to help with snow removal and rescue operations in storm-stricken areas of the state.

The peacetime emergency declaration was signed Wednesday morning after pockets of more than a foot of snow fell Tuesday night into Wednesday. More than 200 crashes and spinouts were reported between midnight and 7:00 Wednesday morning. A no travel advisory was also issued for southern Minnesota, and roads, including Interstate 90, were closed. A blizzard warning was posted for that area due to heavy snow and expected winds around 50 to 55 miles an hour. In the Twin Cities, a winter storm warning was issued and road conditions were so bad that Metro Transit suspended bus service, and snow plows were getting stuck and needed to be towed out of huge drifts.

The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office requested National Guard assistance for rescues and storm response, including personnel, equipment, and facilities.

“Minnesota is no stranger to winter weather, but conditions can quickly become unpredictable and dangerous,” said Governor Walz. “As we work to alleviate the dangerous road conditions, the National Guard is stepping up to provide life-saving support.”

The order is in effect immediately and will remain in effect until emergency conditions caused by the storm subside, or until Sunday, March 9th.

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