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Another winter storm plagued the region last week, closing roads and prompting cancelation of classes, events and other activities.
This system dropped only 3 to 4 inches of snow Thursday, March 16, but strong winds on its heels promptly blew roads closed and caused dozens of accidents and stranded motorists.
According to Luverne Fire Chief David Van Batavia, he and his crew utilized the four-door Ranger with snow tracks for several rescues Thursday.
“It was a long night,” he said.
Four people were rescued in the Ranger and three were picked up by truck, he said.
One was five miles west of Luverne on County Road 5, two were five miles west of Luverne on County Road 8.
A semi driver needed rescuing on I-90 after he broke down, and three people were stuck two miles south of Hills.
Many of the motorists who needed rescuing were traveling after the Minnesota Department of Transportation issued no travel warnings.
However, Van Batavia said some were simply trying to get home from work before the roads were announced closed.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation closed all state highways and Interstate 90 Thursday in Rock, Nobles and Cottonwood counties, along with portions of Jackson and Watonwan counties in southcentral and the southwest corner of Minnesota. I-90 from the South Dakota border to Jackson was closed.
“Strong winds are creating blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility,” the state announced.
“The road closures are expected to remain overnight and until conditions improve on Friday. MnDOT reminds motorists that it is illegal to travel on a closed road, and if a motorist requires rescuing, they are liable for all related rescue costs.”
State and county plows were out Friday morning, but blowing and drifting snow made for difficult travel most of the day Friday and into Friday night.