As of 9 p.m. Thursday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has lifted the "no travel advisory" for the following highways:
- Highway 64 - Highway 200 to south of Akeley
- Highway 71- Itasca to Menahga
- Highway 371 - Cass Lake to Hackensack
Visibility has improved in these areas, however, roads are completely snow and ice covered so motorists are advised to reduce speeds and drive according to conditions.
A "no travel advisory" is still in effect for:
- Highway 2- Bagley to Deer River
- Highway 71- Bemidji to Itasca
Motorists should plan accordingly. When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
With the combination of high sustained wind speeds, wind gusts and ice covered or compacted roads, driving conditions are dangerous throughout northwest Minnesota. Near zero visibility and deteriorating road conditions have contributed to several crashes and spin outs. Motorists, and especially those operating large commercial vehicles without a load, should avoid all unnecessary travel.
