Freeborn County Sheriff Bob Kindler is asking area residents to use extreme caution if venturing out on the ice.

Despite the colder temperatures this past week, he said thin ice conditions as well as open water are prevalent on all lakes and waterways throughout Freeborn County. Large areas of open water currently exist and are expanding on both Fountain and Albert Lea lakes.

People should avoid using any vehicles on the ice, including snowmobiles and ATVs.

Ice conditions are not expected to improve anytime soon and may deteriorate further this weekend.