Schools across the tri-state region closed classes for the day Tuesday, Feb. 2, ahead of the heavily forecast blizzard that started in Nebraska and Iowa and moved northward through southern Minnesota.
Five to 8 inches of snow were predicted for Rock County and southwest Minnesota, and as the Star Herald went to press Tuesday, snow had begun to fall.
Icy flakes sliced sideways through the air as gusty winds nearing 40 mph swept snow across roadways, limiting visibility.
Lt. Matt Sorenson of the Minnesota State Patrol said various state agencies had begun to discuss the possibility of closing major arteries through District 7, which encompasses more than a dozen counties in southwest Minnesota.
“They take into consideration a multitude of factors, including commerce,” Sorenson said.
“Milk trucks and grocery trucks and newspaper delivery trucks are all affected when roads close, so these things are taken into consideration, as well as the safety of the motoring public.”
The District 7 engineer is ultimately responsible for road closures, which in this district would mean I-90, Highway 75 and Highway 23.
Physical barriers prevent traffic from entering the interstate, and flashing lights in Luverne and Pipestone warn motorists that roadways are closed.
Sorenson said it’s rare that the state closes highways for blowing snow, but once drifts start building up to the point where plows can’t stay ahead of them, that’s when closures are considered.
“And it’s not that we decide to close the roads and then close them; it’s a process whereby we put out the announcement that it will be happening, and give people a chance to get where they’re going,” he said.
“We alert towns along the closed roads so they can prepare for motorists who will need places to stay.”
At the Rock County Highway Department, county plows continue to clear roads until visibility is too limited. “If they can’t see, they don’t risk their lives and others on the road,” said Eric Woodley, engineering technician at the highway department.
“If they can see at all, they try to at least get out late afternoon to clear roads for end of the day commuters.”
Among other closures Tuesday, the DNR’s open house to discuss the Blue Mounds State Park dam was postponed to Feb. 9. It will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Luverne Elementary School.