National Guard Sent to Southern Minnesota, Closed Freeway Reopens

Albert Lea, MN (KROC-AM News)- Gov. Tim Walz has sent the Minnesota National Guard to southern Minnesota. 

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The emergency executive order authorizing use of the guard was filed on Wednesday morning in response to the blizzard battering southern Minnesota. 

A sheriff’s office in southern Minnesota requested the assistance. 

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Minnesota National Guard Responds to Peacetime Emergency Declaration in Freeborn County

The Executive order says the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance Tuesday night. Blizzard conditions prompted the closure of Interstate 90 and major highways from west of Albert Lea to far western Minnesota.

“Late last night, the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Minnesota National Guard. Based on my verbal order, the Minnesota National Guard activated to provide assistance in response to the severe weather and to rescue stranded motorists,” the order reads in part. 

Portions of I-90 remains closed west of Albert Lea as of early Wednesday afternoon. 

Jack-Knife Semi That Closed Westbound I-90 Near Winona, MN Cleared

Elsewhere a jack-knifed semi truck that backed up Interstate 90 in Winona County has been cleared. The westbound lanes of the interstate were closed east of Winona exit Wednesday morning. 

The Winona County Sheriff’s Office says slick conditions were reported along the interstate. No word yet if anyone was injured.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation indicates snow plows are continuing efforts to clear snow from the area's major roadways. 

As of 11:30 Wednesday morning, the majority of roads in the Rochester area are being described as either partially or completely covered with snow and ice.

The National Weather Service has allowed the Blizzard Warning issued for Rochester and southeastern Minnesota to expire more than three hours early. A Winter Weather Advisory is now in place until 3 p.m. Wednesday.