MnDOT urges driver caution in blowing snow

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging drivers to use their winter driving skills when traveling today and Wednesday in Minnesota.

Visibility has been limited in parts of the state today due to blowing snow. Driving conditions are the most severe in a band across the central portion of the state from the North Dakota border to the Twin Cities and Rochester.

The National Weather Service reported wind gusts as high as 25 miles an hour in some areas this afternoon. The wind lowers visibility and can make driving difficult.

The predicted chance of snow this evening ranges from 40 percent to 50 percent in Kandiyohi County and areas south and east. The chance was expected to be 20 percent chance of snow in areas to the north and west.

Temperatures are expected to be much colder tonight, with temperatures below zero. Winds are expected to decrease during the night, but wind chills are expected to be 15 below or colder.

Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny in the morning and partly cloudy later. There is a chance of snow late Wednesday night.

MnDOT urges drivers to use caution, especially when driving near snowplows and other emergency vehicles. State law requires drivers to move over one lane, if possible, when emergency vehicles, snowplows, and wreckers are operating.

Traveler Information System reports are available by calling 5-1-1 from any phone or visiting the Web site at www.511mn.org.