Storm Blamed For School Closings, Accidents In SE Minnesota

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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Numerous schools are closed or opening late and several traffic accidents and mishaps have been reported due to the Wednesday morning storm that is hammering southeast Minnesota.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Dodge, Fillmore, Mower and Olmsted counties through noon.

The storm is producing whiteout conditions due to snow and winds that are gusting at 30 - 50 mph. Public safety agencies are advising against travel in southeast Minnesota until conditions improve.

Accidents reported so far include a jackknifed semi-truck near Owatonna (around 5:30 am) and several on I-35 between Owatonna and Faribault.

There have also been accidents on the Highway 52 corridor between Rochester and Cannon Falls.

Driving problems are being reported elsewhere in the state, including the Twin Cities.

Check our website for the latest weather-related announcements

Very cold air is trailing this storm and will produce temperatures in the minus teens Friday morning.