No travel advised in northwest, central N.D.

A no-travel advisory has been issued for portions of northwest and central North Dakota because of snow and blowing snow creating low to zero visibility on area roads.

Here's the advisory:

"Motorists should be advised that they may encounter snow drifts at structures and sheltered areas and some roadways may be reduced to one lane or become blocked overnight.

"Cities affected by the No Travel Advisory include: Williston, Watford City, New Town, Parshall, Garrison, Killdeer, Beulah, Center, Underwood, McClusky, Velva, Minot and surrounding areas.

"As this storm continues to move east, conditions are expected to deteriorate and No Travel Advisories will progress eastward into the Carrington, Jamestown and Valley City area. To keep informed about rapidly changing conditions and extended No Travel Advisories, please go to the Travel Information Map at www.dot.nd.gov.

"At this time a Travel Alert remains in effect for central and south eastern portions of North Dakota. Motorists are advised that icy patches remain on the roadway and may encounter these areas unexpectedly and are encouraged to reduce speeds. Cities affected by the Travel Alert include: Devils Lake, Jamestown, Valley City, and surrounding areas.

"NDDOT releases information to inform the public about travel conditions throughout the state. The three categories are as follows:

"1. Travel Alerts are issued to alert motorists that areas of challenging winter driving conditions may be encountered on roadways. Conditions are such that motorists can still travel; however, they should be aware that rapidly changing conditions may result in travel delays due to reduced speeds and visibility.

"2. No Travel Advisories are issued when conditions warrant no travel but not a road closure. Not Travel Advisories have the potential to change to a Road Closure if conditions deteriorate. No Travel Advisories are issued for public safety to encourage motorists not to venture out onto the roads. Motorists are urged to take No Travel Advisories seriously. Conditions change often during a storm event and motorists may become stranded if they are caught between destinations.

"3. Roads are closed when conditions create a life-threatening danger to motorists. The roadway is impassable and it is against the law to drive past a road closure device on a closed road. Motorists should obey road closures, even when a sign or a gate is not present.

"All travelers are encouraged to monitor road conditions, reduce traffic speeds as weather conditions occur and use caution while traveling. For road information, call 511 from any type of phone or go to the website: www.dot.nd.gov. Please be advised that information on 511 and the travel map is updated daily from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. CST. The road report is based upon the information available to the NDDOT at the time of preparation and is provided solely as a public service. Conditions may vary from those reported.

"If you become stranded, motorists should stay with their vehicle and call 911 for emergency assistance, as wind chills are expected to drop below 30 below tonight."

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