Austin Daily Herald and Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Roads are reopening in southwestern Minnesota as strong winds gradually subside.

Part of Interstate 90 and several other highways were closed Monday as wind gusts created whiteout conditions in the southwest part of the state.

But the Minnesota Department of Transportation has lifted a no-travel advisory for southwestern Minnesota, and crews were to begin removing barricades on the closed roads Monday evening.

Blizzard warnings have expired but a winter weather advisory remains in effect for southwestern Minnesota until midnight Monday.

Blue Earth, LeSueur-Henderson, Madelia and Mankato District 77 are among schools closed Monday.

Iowa roads

Interstate 35 reopened at Clear Lake, Iowa, this morning after closing yesterday afternoon for blowing and dridting snow.

The Iowa Department of Transportation and the Iowa State Patrol closed southbound Interstate 35 from Ames to Clear Lake and Mason City, Iowa.

The portion of the highway south of the Minnesota-Iowa border had been closed since Monday afternoon because of vehicle crashes and poor visibility. The closure affected travelers from Minnesota.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reports that even though the roadway is open, winds will continue to be gusty throughout the day causing blowing snow.

Travelers should expect areas of low visibility and patches of snow covered roadways making driving potentially dangerous. Motorists are urged to monitor weather and road conditions before traveling and evaluate the necessity of trips Follow Iowa road conditions and highway closures online at www.511ia.org.

Follow MnDOT in southeast Minnesota at www.511mn.org and www.twitter.com/mndotsoutheast for updates on winter road conditions and closures.

Many of the highways in southeastern Minnesota remained partially covered with snow this morning.