(ABC 6 News) — Following heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions across the state, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide support for emergency storm operations.

“Minnesota is no stranger to winter weather, but conditions can quickly become unpredictable and dangerous,” said Governor Walz. “As we work to alleviate the dangerous road conditions, the National Guard is stepping up to provide life-saving support.”

The state received a request for National Guard assistance from the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office to provide the personnel, equipment, facilities, and resources necessary to respond to the severe weather and rescue stranded motorists.

FCSO said the decision ultimately stemmed from the expected closure of I-90 as a result of the storm in an effort to ensure that they had a backup plan in place for stranded motorists.

It wasn’t the first time Freeborn County has called in the National Guard for help after winter storms. It also happened in 2019 and 2022.

“Knowing that historically we’ve done that in the past when we’ve closed the interstates, and it was looking like we were going to be closing I-90, we got pre-plans ready,” said Sheriff Ryan Shea.

The National Guard said they were originally put on standby on Monday, but they ended up not making any rescues Tuesday night. They said a big reason for that was people smartly staying off the roads.

“This time was pretty easy. Back in 2019, the individuals that did the recovery operations, they were out for four to six hours at a time,” said Barry Maday of the National Guard Armory in Albert Lea.

The sheriff’s office did rescue on stranded car Wednesday morning.

“The Red Cross gets them checked in, and then they provide them with food and beverages, and then we provide them a place where they can stay out of the weather,” Maday said.

People in Freeborn County said they will take all the help they can get.

“The roads are just horrible, so it’ll be a great thing to help get everything back opened up and going back to normal,” one resident said.

Deputies wanted to reiterate that even if the bulk of the storm has passed, drivers should avoid unnecessary travel.

“We’d really appreciate it if people would continue to stay home, stay off the roads. The roads are still not in very good condition even with the plows working today,” Sheriff Shea said.

FCSO says they responded to 35 calls between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. They say if you have to go out the rest of the evening, make sure to drive cautiously and take it slow.

The executive order remains in effect until emergency conditions caused by the winter storm subside or until March 9, 2025.