(Spirit Lake)– Authorities in Dickinson county are highly discouraging any travel–especially in outlying areas.
Officials say visibility in rural open areas is next to nothing–with whiteout conditions common.
All towing operations in Dickinson county have been suspended until the visibility improves.
Sheriff’s deputies tell KUOO news they’ve been busy assisting motorists that have become stuck, or simply drove off the road into the ditch because they couldn’t see.
They say anyone that does become stranded should stay INSIDE their vehicle and call 911 if you have a cell phone. But the best advice, they say, is not to put yourself in that situation to begin with.
The Iowa Department of Transportation says Highway Three from U.S. Highway 71 in Buena Vista county to Iowa Highway 143 at Marcus in Cherokee county is reduced to one lane of travel.
All highways in southwest Minnesota have been closed until further notice. MNDOT reminds everyone it’s against the law in Minnesota to travel of a closed road. Anyone caught doing so will be fined up to $1,000 and given up to 90 days jail time. If a traveler needs to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
