Blowing snow making for difficult driving

WILLMAR -- Wind-blown snow is creating difficult driving conditions throughout much of the region today.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation issued a notice at 11:30 a.m. Monday advising motorists not to travel unnecessarily in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray and Pipestone counties due to the conditions.

The Lac qui Parle Sheriff's office issued its own advisory Monday morning against unnecessary travel and urging motorists to exercise extreme caution if they needed to travel.

The sheriff departments in Lac qui Parle, Chippewa and Yellow Medicine counties responded to a number of reports of vehicles in ditches on Monday morning due to the weather conditions.

Strong winds are causing drifting, reduced visibility and slippery conditions on roadways.

MnDOT advises motorists to:

Always use seat belts.

Adjust speed to road and weather conditions.

Avoid using cruise-control.

Turn on headlights when it is sleeting or snowing.