I-35 closes in southern MN, Iowa due to snowstorm

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (FOX 9) - Interstate 35 is closed in southern Minnesota stretching into central Iowa due to the winter storm.

I-35 closed

What we know:

MnDOT has closed southbound lanes along I-35 from Albert Lea to the Iowa border.

In Iowa, I-35 is closed in both directions from the Minnesota border to U.S. 30 in Ames, Iowa.

What we don't know:

It's unclear how long I-35 will remain closed. The Iowa DOT says the closure will remain in effect until "conditions improve."

I-35 in Iowa to close on Sunday due to blizzard

I-35 will close on Sunday due to blizzard conditions in Iowa, the Minnesota Department of Transportation tells FOX 9. We're told the closure will begin sometime before 3 p.m., and it's unclear how long it may last.

Winter storm impacts travel

Big picture view:

The snowstorm has caused widespread travel impacts in Minnesota and Iowa. There is an 11-county no-travel advisory across MnDOT's District 6 in southeast Minnesota due to the storm, including: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.

MnDOT says: "Snowplows are having difficulty in current conditions but will remain on the roads at this time. Current rates of snow are covering roads faster than snowplows can clear a driving lane."

What they're saying:

Speaking with FOX 9 Sunday morning, Anne Meyer with MnDOT says it's possible the I-35 closure could expand further north into Minnesota, saying the state will continue to monitor conditions as the storm develops.