Travel Alert issued for Jamestown, Valley City, Fargo and more

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has issued a Travel Alert for Jamestown, Valley City, Fargo, Wahpeton and surrounding areas due to blowing and drifting snow along with wet roadways turning to ice as temperatures drop.

Conditions are such that motorists can still travel in these areas, but should be advised that challenging winter driving conditions may exist. Motorists are encouraged to reduce speeds and drive according to the conditions.

A No Travel Advisory remains in effect for Dickinson, Williston and Minot, as well as areas north of U.S. Highway 2 in the northeast part of North Dakota, due to blowing snow creating near zero visibility in those areas.

Motorists are reminded that a No Travel Advisory means hazardous conditions exist making it unsafe to travel. A Travel Alert remains in effect for areas south of Devils Lake and Grand Forks.

All travelers are encouraged to monitor road conditions 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.

NDDOT releases information to inform the public about travel conditions throughout the state. 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 9 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.

If they become stranded, motorists should stay with their vehicles and call 911 for emergency assistance.

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