UPDATED: Road conditions improve as storm dumps snow on northwest MN

BEMIDJI — Improved road conditions in northwest Minnesota have prompted the Minnesota Department of Transportation to upgrade driving conditions Thursday afternoon to fair.

An early winter storm of rain, snow and strong winds caused difficult to hazardous conditions earlier in the day dumping 8-12 inches of snow in the Roseau area and creating 5-6 inches of slush on highways in the Crookston area, MnDOT reported.

Earlier in the day,MnDOT urged drivers to continue using caution due to scattered slippery areas and to keep a safe distance from the plow operators that are still working to clean the roads. It alsoissued a statement advising no unnecessary travel in the northwest area of the state.

Motorists are encouraged to continue checking road conditions, be patient, give plenty of stopping distance behind snow plows, drive at reduced speeds and stay alert.

Visit the state's road condtions by going online hereor calling 511

For additional tips on safe winter driving, click here.