UPDATE 7:30 P.M. Big snowfall causing big problems; schools, roads close

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Heavy snow is creating big problems throughout west central Minnesota, including Douglas County.

Several schools in the area will be closed tomorrow, Monday, including Alexandria, Brandon, Evansville, Minnewaska, Osakis, Parkers Prairie and West Central Area.

Shortly before 1 p.m. today, the Minnesota Department of Transportation advised no travel in west central Minnesota due to heavy snow, blowing snow and very poor visibility. Increasing winds will likely cause conditions to continue to deteriorate.

The no travel advisory includes Becker, Big Stone, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Mahnomen, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Swift, Traverse and Wilkin counties.

MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol closed Interstate 94 from Moorhead to Alexandria, Highway 10 from Moorhead to Audubon and Highway 210 from Breckenridge to Fergus Falls at 5:30 p.m. today due to near-zero visibility and hazardous road conditions.

The highways will remain closed until further notice. Motorists are advised not to travel until conditions improve and MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol open the road.

Motorists should plan accordingly. When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

For updated information on road conditions, visit www.511mn.org or call 511.

The Douglas County region remains under a winter storm warning until 9 p.m. tonight, Sunday, and is under a blizzard warning from 9 p.m. tonight to 6 p.m. Monday. Snow accumulations of 12 inches or more are possible, along with strong gusting winds of 45 miles per hour.

The city of Alexandria has declared a snow emergency. No on-street parking is allowed from midnight tonight until 11 a.m. on Monday.

Several businesses were closed today and many activities were cancelled.

Tags: school closings, news, updates, snow, blizzard