BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Spring is officially a little more than a week away, but wintry weather persists in parts of the Dakotas.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory Tuesday for an area from northwest North Dakota to northeast South Dakota. Strong winds blew snow around, causing problems for motorists.

North Dakota transportation officials for a time advised no travel in the northwest before lifting the advisory about 7 a.m. Officials still urged motorists to use caution. The McKenzie County Sheriff's Office late Monday said a stretch of state Highway 73 was closed due to icy conditions and multiple stranded vehicles.

Officials on Tuesday afternoon issued a travel alert for the eastern half of North Dakota, including areas around the cities of Fargo, Grand Forks, Wahpeton, Valley City, and Jamestown.