[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz tonight declared a peacetime state of emergency and ordered the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance and emergency relief services for stranded motorists in Freeborn and Steele Counties.

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