Blizzard Blasts Southwest Minnesota, Forcing Road Closures

A snowstorm brought heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions to large stretches of Minnesota and neighboring states on Monday, January 22, forcing road closures, disrupting public transport and causing flight delays and cancellations.In southwest Minnesota, where this footage was taken, the Department of Transportation issued a no-travel advisory. It lifted the advisory around 4pm, but continued to urge caution. The National Weather Service put a blizzard warning in place for the area until noon on Tuesday, while forecasting seven inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 45mph during daytime on Monday.This footage, shot by Denisa Ree, shows whiteout conditions at her home just outside Rushmore, close to the state’s southwest border with South Dakota.By mid-afternoon, more than a foot of snow was reported in other areas of the state, including Mankato, Waseca, Faribault, and Owatonna where, on the order of Governor Mark Dayton, the Minnesota National Guard Armory was opened up for stranded drivers.Authorities warned that snow would continue falling for several hours into the evening. Credit: Denisa Ree via Storyful