
The
North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) along with the North Dakota
Highway Patrol (NDHP) have issued a No Travel Advisory in south central
North Dakota due to snow and blowing snow which is creating near
zero visibility and hazardous driving conditions. Cities included in the No
Travel Advisory include Valley
City, Ellendale and surrounding areas.
Also a
Travel Alert has been issued for southeastern North Dakota due to
blowing snow, reduced visibility, and scattered snow drifts on the roadways. Cities
included in the Travel Alert include
Fargo, Wahpeton, and surrounding areas.
There
is also a Travel Alert in effect for a major portion of southwestern,
central, and northeastern North Dakota including Dickinson, Bismarck, Mandan, Minot,
Devils Lake, Grand Forks, and surrounding areas due to blowing snow and reduced
visibility. Be cautious when approaching bridges and sheltered areas because
the blowing snow may create drifts in the driving lanes.
A Travel Alert means conditions are such that motorists
can still travel in these areas, but should be advised of rapidly changing conditions. Motorists are encouraged to wear seat belts,
reduce speed, and drive according to the conditions.
The three
categories are as follows:
1.
TRAVEL ALERT
– Motorists
can still travel but may encounter areas of challenging winter weather driving
conditions on roadways. Motorists should allow extra time to reach their
destination and be alert to conditions that may make travel difficult, change
rapidly, or cause travel delays. A TRAVEL ALERT has the potential to change to
a NO TRAVEL ADVISED if conditions deteriorate.
2.
NO TRAVEL
ADVISED – Motorists
should not travel due to hazardous conditions which may make it unsafe to
travel. Snowplows may be pulled from the roads during severe conditions.
Motorists should take NO TRAVEL ADVISED seriously as those motorists who choose
to travel at their own risk may become stranded and emergency responders may
not be able to reach them safely. A NO TRAVEL ADVISED has the potential to
change to a ROAD CLOSED OR BLOCKED if conditions deteriorate.
3.
ROAD CLOSED
OR BLOCKED –
Motorists are not allowed to travel on a closed road due to life threatening
conditions. The road may be impassible or blocked. Motorists who drive past a
road closure device may be fined up to $250.
Please be advised that road condition information on 511 and the
travel map is updated daily from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT. 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.