Poor visibility causes highway travel issues, Willmar MN
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This is not an official report. The headline and summary are generated by automated AI systems from public-safety dispatch audio. Always verify with official sources.
Road ClosureAs discussed during the dispatch call, an individual reported poor visibility and blowing snow about seven miles west on Highway 40, prompting discussion about road passability. Drivers near Seventh Street in Willmar were noted to have accidentally driven onto the sidewalk due to low visibility conditions. Emergency personnel confirmed that while the roads were generally passable, visibility remained a concern.
Audio|Heard on: Kandiyohi MN Public Works Group Calls
Listen to dispatch call
01:47
Transcript:
00:00
Yeah, I was just about 7 miles west on Highway 40, but then I turned around because I just couldn't see well enough to keep going.
00:08
Was it blown across pretty good or was it drifting?
00:13
It's blowing across, you know.
00:15
All out in the open is just sheltered areas got some in.
00:18
I just wanted to see if that road was passable for cars and it is.
00:25
I hadn't been out.
00:26
It was like 2:30 when I was out.
00:29
I went all the way to 29 and back.
00:33
We'll just stay away from it unless we have to do a rescue mission, but cars should be able to pass through anything out there.
00:41
Just a matter of visibility for them.
00:54
I am in the shop and I have to replace a fog light bulb, so a couple more minutes here and all we've done.
01:03
Okay, I'll be there. Thanks.
01:15
Yeah, I think the main thing is as long as cars don't get stuck going through town, we're just doing what we can and then they'll be able to clean it up a little better maybe.
01:27
The wind's still blowing pretty hard during the shift too.
01:35
I did see near Seventh Street coming around the curve a few people drove up.
01:40
I don't know if they couldn't see where the road was; they drove up over the sidewalk coming around the curve going east.
Disclaimer:
This transcript is automatically generated by AI from live dispatch audio. Dispatch communications may include background noise, overlapping speakers, or rapidly evolving situations, and automated transcription may not capture all details or context.
Location mentioned:
7th St SW, Willmar, MN 56201
This shows a Google Street View of the area near the location, which might not be the exact address.
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Note:
Auto-generated from live dispatch audio, which may contain errors. Dispatch calls are not confirmed incidents. Always verify with official sources.