Disclaimer: This article covers a developing or serious situation. Information can change quickly. Multiple verification from official or authoritative sources is recommended before taking any action based on this or any single report. Readers are responsible for cross-checking facts and following local authorities’ guidance.
Heavy snow and blizzard conditions in Minnesota have prompted no-travel advisories across parts of the state and the closure of Interstate 35 south of Albert Lea. As the Star Tribune and other outlets have reported, the winter storm moved into Minnesota over the weekend of 14–15 March 2026, with MnDOT announcing the southbound I-35 closure at Albert Lea by 3 p.m. on 15 March. This round-up summarises what has been reported about the storm, road closures, and official guidance; readers should confirm current conditions with MnDOT, the National Weather Service, and local authorities before travelling.
A Live-Update Style Summary of the Winter Storm in Minnesota, Road Closures, and No-Travel Advisories
According to the Star Tribune and MPR News, much of Minnesota was under high wind warnings and winter storm impacts through the weekend. The Star Tribune reported snow accumulation across the metro and the Duluth area, with tough travel continuing as snow kept falling. MnDOT closed southbound I-35 at Albert Lea by 3 p.m. on 15 March, as reported by FOX 9 and KAAL; the closure was coordinated with the Iowa Department of Transportation, which closed I-35 to the south at the same time. The blizzard dropped around 6 inches of snow on Albert Lea, and at its peak the closure extended from Owatonna, Minnesota, south to Ames, Iowa. Snowplows struggled to keep roads clear as snow accumulated faster than they could clear it. Southbound I-35 reopened on 16 March after Iowa reopened its section; northbound traffic remained open during the event.
Authorities advised no travel across southern Minnesota as blizzard warnings continued. MnDOT issued a no-travel advisory for 11 counties in southeast Minnesota’s District 6: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona. Minneapolis and St. Paul declared snow emergencies and asked residents to move vehicles overnight; warming centres were opened and the Albert Lea Armory housed 35 people and two dogs as an emergency shelter. Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order authorising the Minnesota National Guard to support emergency operations. The Star Tribune and CBS Minnesota reported that a NEXT Weather Alert remained in effect into Monday, with 6 to 10 inches of snow possible in the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota and blizzard conditions in the northeast with winds up to 60 mph and visibility below a quarter of a mile.
What This Actually Means
The storm has caused significant disruption to travel and daily life across Minnesota. Official guidance is to avoid non-essential travel in affected areas and to verify road status and weather updates with MnDOT and the National Weather Service before setting out. Conditions can change quickly; this summary reflects what had been reported as of the storm period and should be cross-checked with current official sources.
What Is a No-Travel Advisory?
A no-travel advisory is an official recommendation from state or local authorities that motorists should not drive in the affected area except in emergencies. It is issued when conditions such as heavy snow, blowing snow, or whiteouts make travel extremely dangerous. During the March 2026 storm, MnDOT and law enforcement urged people to stay off roads in the advisory zones until conditions improved. Checking 511 and official MnDOT and NWS sources is the best way to get current closure and advisory information.
What Travelers Should Know
Motorists in Minnesota and neighbouring states should check MnDOT 511 and local weather services before travelling. No-travel advisories mean conditions are unsafe for all but essential travel; I-35 and other major routes may remain closed or restricted until the storm passes and plows clear the roads. The Star Tribune and local broadcasters have urged residents to stay off the roads where advisories are in effect and to follow guidance from county sheriffs and state patrol. Schools and businesses in affected areas may be closed; readers should verify with official sources and employers. This round-up reflects reporting as of 15-16 March 2026 and will not be updated in real time; for the latest conditions and closures, use MnDOT, the National Weather Service, and local emergency management.
Blizzard warnings have been in effect for parts of the state, with wind and blowing snow reducing visibility. Counties along the I-35 corridor and in southern Minnesota have been among the most affected. Readers in Iowa and other neighbouring states should also monitor conditions, as the same system has impacted a wider region. Official sources remain the only reliable way to get current closure and advisory information.
Sources
Star Tribune, Star Tribune (wind and storm), Star Tribune (snow and travel), FOX 9, MPR News