Southbound Interstate 35 from Owatonna to the Iowa border was closed early Friday morning due to multiple vehicle crashes and stranded vehicles.

It will remain closed until further notice, according to a news release.

The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office has opened an emergency shelter at the National Guard Armory because of blizzard conditions in the area.

A news release states roads have become impassible in some areas in the county.

The shelter will remain open until further notice.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation issued a no travel advisory for all of southeastern Minnesota because of hazardous driving conditions with blowing snow, icy patches and reduced visibility.

The advisory is for Rice, Steele, Dodge, Mower, Freeborn, Goodhue, Olmsted, Fillmore, Houston, Winona and Wabasha counties.

When a road is closed, it is illegal to travel in the area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to 90 days in jail.

MnDOT advised residents to check road conditions at www.511mn.org or call 511.

They should stay at least five car lengths behind a plow, stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and slow down to a safe speed for the conditions.