ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Tim Walz today signed Emergency Executive Order 19-30, declaring a peacetime state of emergency in the State of Minnesota. The Governor has ordered the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance and emergency relief services as needed for stranded motorists across the state.

Heavy snow and strong winds have stranded motorists in Freeborn, Marshall, Mower, and Steele Counties and continued storm conditions are expected to create dangerous conditions for people traveling. The Minnesota National Guard will assist with search and rescue operations and has already opened armories in Owatonna and Albert Lea to be used as shelters.