Saint Paul – Governor Pawlenty is directing the Minnesota National Guard to open its armory in Owatonna for travelers who may be stranded because of today’s blizzard conditions in southeastern Minnesota. The Guard will coordinate with local relief agencies to provide emergency assistance for anyone unable to travel through the area.

The Governor has also directed the Guard to make other armories available for emergency shelter if needed by local authorities.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota State Patrol closed southbound Interstate 35 from Owatonna to Albert Lea at about 12:30 p.m. today due to blizzard conditions, zero visibility and numerous crashes. The westbound lanes of Interstate 90 between St. Charles to Dover have also been closed due to a multi-vehicle crash.

Mn/DOT is advising no travel in southeast Minnesota unless absolutely necessary. For current road conditions, call 5-1-1 or log onto www.511mn.org.