Minnesota cold leads to at least one death

Icy and cold conditions continued across the state over the weekend and into Monday, leading to at least one death, and prompting an emergency order from Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton.

The body of a motorist was found near Stewart, Minn. on Monday after his car got stuck in the snow, according to the McLeod County Sheriff's Office. The victim's body was discovered a little more than two miles from his vehicle. He has not yet been identified.

Impassable roads led some motorists in hard-hit parts of the state on Sunday to seek shelter at Minnesota National Guard armories or other community buildings.

On Monday, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton issued an executive order retroactively authorizing members of the Minnesota National Guard to help and shelter stranded motorists as snowy and cold conditions swept across the state. By Monday night, travel conditions had improved in the state to such an extent that no emergency shelters for motorists remained open.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesperson Kevin Gutknecht said every road across the state had reopened by Monday evening. "MnDot crews did yeoman's work today and got all of those roads open and made great progress in clearing off the roadways," Gutknecht said.

Tuesday's commute could be complicated by the very cold temperatures, which can lead to black ice.

"Overpasses, bridges and ramps will be especially tricky," Gutknecht said. "My counsel to motorists is add some extra time to your trip tomorrow, slow down and take your time."

The National Weather Service Twin Cities reported wind chills on Monday ranging from minus 51 near Rice, Minn. to minus 25 near Newport. A wind chill warning will be in effect across central and southern Minnesota until at least noon on Tuesday. The agency predicts lows on Monday night between 5 below and 30 below, with Tuesday afternoon's wind chills dipping to minus 50 in some places.

Pam Zimmerman, information and assistance director for the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, said the very cold temperatures can be hard on the elderly.

"If you have a neighbor who's older, give them a call or knock on their door, and see if they're OK, especially if you notice that their lights haven't been on or you don't really see any activity at all, that might be a sign that they need some help."

Zimmerman said people can contact her organization for assistance with shoveling or for information about using the state's energy assistance program for low-income residents.