Pipestone County has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning through 6 p.m. Tuesday

By Jen Burris | on March 05, 2018

Pipestone County has been upgraded to a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 6.

Moderate to heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are expected along with blowing snow.

Plan on difficult travel conditions. Tree branches could fall. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow.

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.

From MnDOT:

MnDOT reminds motorists that the average snow plow route in District 8 (southwest and west central MN) is sixty miles, round-trip.  Some routes are considerably longer.  In difficult conditions it can take up to four hours for a snow plow operator to plow a route.  In good conditions it can take two and a half hours to plow a route.

In general, plows are out from 3 am to 10 pm, longer if conditions require it.  Plow operators have much to monitor and control while on duty, and their ability to see behind them is limited.  Their vision can be hampered by the snow clouds they create while plowing.

Motorists need to reduce distractions.  A plows’ sole purpose is to make the roads as clear and passable as quickly as possible. Motorists should remember to:

• Check road conditions at www.511mn.org or call 511; it takes time to get roads back to good driving conditions.
• Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
• Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud.
• Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. Plows may also travel over centerlines or partially into traffic to further improve road conditions.
• Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.

WILLMAR, Minn. – (2:15 pm) 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising no travel in portions of southwest Minnesota due to blizzard conditions and limited visibility.

The no travel advisory applies to the following areas:

• Highway 7/Highway 59 – Milan to Montevideo
• Highway 40 – MN/SD state line to Highway 29
• Highway 212 – MN/SD state line to Granite Falls
• Highway 75 – Canby to Bellingham
• Highway 29 – Montevideo to Highway 40
• Highway 59 – Clarkfield to Highway 212
• Highway 68 – MN/SD state line to Canby
• Highway 67 – Highway 75 to Granite Falls
• Highway 68 – Canby to Wabasso  NEW
• Highway 19 – MN/SD state line to Vesta  NEW
• Highway 14 – Highway 23 to Highway 71  NEW
• Highway 30 – Woodstock Corner to Slayton  NEW
• Highway 59 – Slayton to Clarkfield  NEW
• Highway 23 – Highway 14 to Marshall  NEW
• Highway 91 – Lake Wilson to Russell  NEW
• Highway 271 – Highway 19 to the MN/SD state line  NEW
• Highway 75 – Highway 14 to Highway 19  NEW

For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to www.mndot.gov/workzone/winter.html.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

=========================================================================================

Source : https://www.pipestonestar.com/articles/pipestone-county-has-been-upgraded-to-a-winter-storm-warning-through-tuesday-6-p-m/

=========================================================================================