Devils Lake, Grand Forks added to N.D. travel alert

Blowing snow that's causing reduced visibility and areas of compacted snow and ice are creating slippery road conditions in northeast North Dakota, prompting the state Department of Transportation to extend a travel alert to include Devils Lake, Grand Forks and surrounding areas.

Here's the alert:

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has expanded the Travel Alert to the north central and north east regions of North Dakota including Devils Lake, Grand Forks and surrounding areas due to blowing snow causing reduced visibility and areas of compacted snow and ice creating slippery road conditions. Conditions are such that motorists can still travel but may experience challenging winter driving conditions. Travel Alerts have the potential to change to a No Travel Advisory if conditions deteriorate.

The Travel Alert is still in effect for the Minot and Garrison areas and north central section of North Dakota. Motorists are encouraged to Slow down and drive according to the conditions.

To stay informed about road conditions and updates on Travel Alerts, No Travel Advisories and Road Closures please go to the Travel Information Map at www.dot.nd.gov or call 511. 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. Travel Alerts have the potential to change to No Travel Advisory if conditions deteriorate.

2. No Travel Advisories are issued when conditions warrant no travel but not a road closure. No 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.

Please be advised that road condition 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.

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