Print Friendly Version

January 29, 2019
6:00 p.m.
No
Travel Advisory LIFTED for northeast; Travel Alert remains in effect for
portions of eastern ND
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) along with
the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) have LIFTED the No Travel
Advisory for northeast North Dakota including Grand Forks and surrounding
areas. A Travel Alert is in effect
for the northeast portion of the state including Grand Forks and surrounding
areas due to reduced visibility. In addition, a Travel Alert remains in effect for Valley City, Jamestown,
Ellendale and Ashley due to blowing snow creating areas of reduced visibility. A Travel Alert means conditions are
such that motorists can still travel in these areas, but should be advised of
changing conditions.
The National Weather Service has a Wind Chill Warning out for
most of the state until noon (CST) on Thursday. A Wind Chill Warning means the
combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind
chill values. Frostbite can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if
precautions are not taken.
If traveling here are some tips to keep you safe:
· Carry a fully
charged cell phone.
· Let someone
know when you depart, your route, and expected arrival time.
· Dress
according to weather conditions. Keep dry and wear clothing in layers.
· Do not leave
without a full fuel tank.
· Pack a winter
survival kit with items such as blankets, candle, water, flashlight and food.
· If you were to
become stranded; stay with your vehicle, run the engine if extremely cold, and
keep exhaust pipe clear of snow.
The NDDOT and NDHP warn the public to be aware that, with these
very cold temperatures, black ice may be encountered on roadways, especially in
high traffic areas. Bridge decks in the metro areas can become extremely icy
during these cold temperatures. Much of the black ice is created by the
moisture tracked onto roadways by vehicles and from vehicles’ exhaust systems.
Black ice forms when temperatures drop rapidly and any moisture on the road
freezes into a smooth, nearly invisible, slippery surface. This thin layer of
ice is very hard for motorists to detect, so drivers need to be especially
vigilant in looking for changes in a road’s surface that may affect traction.
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 . The NDDOT
works hard to keep travelers informed of road conditions. However, the road
conditions are not reported 24 hours a day but updated every day from 5 a.m. to
10 p.m. Central Time, including holidays. It’s important to remember that the
conditions may vary from what is being reported.