Governor Walz calls on MN National Guard to help stranded motorists
Cars travel during a snowstorm Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, in Duluth. (WDIO)
Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order to provide Minnesota National Guard assistance to motorists stranded in southwest Minnesota.
A news release from the governor’s office states that Executive Order 22-33 declared a peacetime emergency to provide assistance to stranded motorists.
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“Minnesota and the country are experiencing extreme winter weather, dangerous temperatures, and unsafe road conditions,” said Governor Walz. “Every Minnesotan deserves a safe holiday, and the Minnesota National Guard will help stranded motorists and ensure everyone can travel safely. I am incredibly grateful that the National Guard has answered the call to action, and I’m confident that they have the right personnel and resources for this mission.”
RELATED: Travel woes continue Friday as flights canceled, portions of I-90, I-35 closed
Multiple portions of major highways, including I-35 and I-90, are closed in the southwest part of Minnesota.
The Renville County Sheriff’s Department requested that the Minnesota National Guard assist with the rescue of stranded motorists and provide local armories as emergency shelters, the news release states.
The latest updates on road conditions can be found here.