Drivers Told To Stay Home As Blizzards Hit Minn.

WORTHINGTON, Minn. (AP) -- Transportation officials are warning drivers to stay off the roads in southwest and south-central Minnesota because of worsening weather.

State Department of Transportation spokeswoman Rebecca Arndt says a no travel advisory was issued early Saturday because snow and strong winds are severely limiting visibility. She says department officials are even ordering plows off the roads in open areas.

Arndt says roads could be closed later in the day.

The National Weather Service has issued blizzard or winter storm warnings for much of Minnesota. Forecasters are reporting moderate to heavy snowfall in central Minnesota, with as much as 7 inches already in the Twin Cities area.

Between 8 and 18 inches of snow are expected, with the heaviest snowfall stretching from near Hutchinson and Mankato to the Twin Cities.

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