Freeborn County opens emergency shelter

(ABC 6 News) – Freeborn County is offering an emergency shelter for anyone in need due to the closure of I-90 W and I-35 S

The emergency Shelter is located at the National Guard Armory at 410 Prospect Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007. Food, water, and assistance will be available until further notice.

Friday evening, officials said at least 22 people were sheltered in Freeborn County.

The National Guard has assisted with stranded motorists, including in Freeborn County where three separate rescues are being made using small unit support vehicles.

The @MNNationalGuard continues assisting local law enforcement in multiple southern Minnesota counties.

Officials are working on three separate rescues in Freeborn County using Small Unit Support Vehicles (SUSVs). At least 22 people are sheltered in that county.

— Minnesota HSEM (@MnDPS_HSEM) December 24, 2022

The Freeborn County Sheriff and Emergency Management Director encourage everyone to avoid all non-emergency travel in the area.

If you must travel, ensure that you are dressed properly and have a winter survival kit with additional clothing, blankets, food, water, etc. Wind chills are dangerously low and frostbite can set in within minutes of exposure.