The Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising no unnecessary travel in the area due to icy roads caused by rain, wet snow and freezing temperatures.

Officials do not anticipate any interstate or highway closures at this time; however, motorists may encounter brief lane and road closures where crashes occur, according to a news release.

The notice was released just after noon Sunday after a winter storm warning was issued earlier this morning by the National Weather Service. The

warning stays in effect until midnight. The Weather Service stated one- to two-tenths of an inch of ice accumulation was expected within the first three hours of precipitation and after 2 p.m., the freezing rain is expected to transition to snow.

“This will make travel very hazardous or impossible,” it stated.

If you must travel, MnDOT is advising the following:

• To drive slowly on bridges, overpasses and tunnels.

• To use a safe speed for winter driving conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

• To keep a safe stopping distance from the vehicle in front of you.

• To keep both hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.

For updated road conditions, visit www.511mn.org or call 511.