Treacherous Travel Conditions In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A fierce storm produced more than a foot of snow in some parts of Minnesota, where authorities advised against travel and schools closed once again during a long, grueling winter.

The Minnesota State Patrol closed southbound I-35 from Owatonna to the Iowa border shortly after 1 a.m. Friday because of numerous accidents and stranded vehicles. Troopers dealt with scores of accidents, including one deadly collision in Wabasha County. The driver of a van was killed in a crash with a semi on ice-covered Highway 42.

A "no travel" advisory remains in effect for all of southeastern Minnesota because of blowing snow, icy patches and reduced visibility.

In northeastern Minnesota, the National Weather Service reported 14 1/2 inches of snow had fallen by Friday morning in Alborn, 13 inches in Twig and 11 inches in Proctor.