VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Barnes County Sheriff’s office said no travel is advised in the county until further notice.

Several roads in the county are blocked or impassable, visibility is reduced to less that 1/4 of a mile in the open country. Wind gusts of 45 mph are creating white out conditions in the open country.

The Barnes County Highway Department will not send out snowplows to clear roads until the strong wind subsides, sometime, Saturday, December 24th.

If you get stranded in your vehicle, call 911 and stay in the vehicle until you are rescued. Your chances of survival increase greatly by remaining in your vehicle, run your engine for short periods of time to keep warm, clear your tailpipe of snow and ice to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Protect your livestock and pets from these bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills. Pets should be inside the home, taking quick potty breaks outside being the icy cold surfaces can freeze their paws causing permanent damage. Outdoor pets should be in a barn, garage or building sheltered from the wind with the doors closed to the outside elements with unfrozen water available at all times.