Snow plows battling strong winds, driving remains difficult in west central Minnesota

WILLMAR — Snow plows are continuing to battle strong winds and drifting snow in west central Minnesota, and difficult driving conditions persist.

Conditions vary across the region, with the most difficult driving conditions reported in the Madison, Montevideo and Granite Falls areas, according to Denny Marty, maintenance supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Willmar. That area received more snow, and the strong winds keep filling in the roads as quickly as the plows can clear them.

The plows are having better success in the Willmar area, but Marty noted that the roads are still filling in, just not as quickly.

Roads are icy and hard-packed, and will remain that way until crews can sand and salt them tomorrow. It’s too windy to do so effectively today.

A fresh crew of plow operators were taking to the roads at 1 p.m. and will stay at it until 9 p.m. Winds are expected to gradually diminish into the evening hours.

Snow plowing operations will resume at 3 a.m.