MnDOT recommends no travel in parts of west central Minn., including Pope and Stevens counties

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises no travel in parts of west central Minnesota due to heavy snow, blowing snow and very poor visibility.

Increasing winds will likely cause conditions to continue to deteriorate through today into Monday.

This no travel advisory includes Becker, Big Stone, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Mahnomen, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin counties.

Officials do not anticipate any interstate or highway closures at this time. However, motorists may encounter brief lane and road closures where crashes occur.

Motorists are encourages to be patient, remember to give snowplows room and stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow and back from the snow cloud. Snowplow operators will pull over periodically when it is safe to do so to allow traffic build-ups to pass.