Dayton Authorizes Shelter for Stranded Motorists

Gov. Mark Dayton has issued a retroactive executive order authorizing the use of a National Guard Armory in Olivia as shelter after some stranded motorists had to stay there during Sunday night's blizzard.

Dayton's office issued the order Tuesday. Dayton's spokeswoman, Katharine Tinucci, says the governor verbally authorized the use of National Guard resources on Sunday.

The blizzard that struck most of Minnesota's southern half on Sunday hit particularly hard in Renville County. Dozens of stranded travelers were forced to spend the night in Olivia due to several major highway closures in the area, and the town's one hotel filled up quickly.

Tinucci says she does not believe any of the motorists are still stranded.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Tweet