‘Think twice before you need to travel’: Officials warn of treacherous conditions, urge preparation

With that in mind, a group of Minnesota public safety officials talked Tuesday afternoon about the importance of being prepared for the storm.

RELATED: First wave of heavy snow to arrive Tuesday afternoon

Between the heavy snowfall and strong winds at times, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is warning travelers that conditions could become life-threatening at times.

DPS and the Minnesota Department of Transportation are urging Minnesotans to stay home and off the roads as much as possible over the next couple of days because of the danger and difficult travel conditions that are expected.

“Think twice before you need to travel,” Col. Matt Langer, the head of the Minnesota State Patrol, said. “Our state troopers and our dispatchers thank you in advance for those of you who have the chance to stay home and not drive somewhere because that just gives everyone else a bit more room to do the work to keep the roads clean, and a little less chance that we have to encounter you whether you’re off the road or something worse.”

For those that have to travel, officials say it’s important to drive at safe speeds — slower than normal conditions — and make sure you’re vehicle’s headlights are on. It’s also the time to get a winter survival kit together and keep it inside your vehicle in case you get stranded. Survival kits should include:

• Boots,
• Jackets,
• Gloves,
• Bottled water,
• Blankets,
• A cellphone charger,
• A flashlight with spare batteries,
• Snacks,
• Basic tools.

DPS also reminds Minnesotans to clear snow from around outdoor furnace, dryer, fireplace and oven vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, use caution with portable heaters to prevent fires, and clear a 3-foot path around nearby fire hydrants in your neighborhood so firefighters don’t have to waste time when responding to a fire.

Stay up to date with the latest radar and forecasts throughout the storm on air and online with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

Click the video box below to watch the full press conference Tuesday.