Authorities reopened Monday morning the mountainous highway at La Rumorosa, which had been closed Sunday due to snowy and icy conditions.

The Mexican highway patrol had closed the road at two points, a kilometer 15 and 20, because snow and ice made driving treacherous.

The closure stranded motorists, passenger buses and cargo trucks that use the highway, the main route that connects Tecate and Mexicali.

Despite the reopening of the La Rumorosa, the highway patrol urged motorists to stay away from the area unless it was absolutely necessary. Monday was a national holiday marking the birthday of Benito Juárez and businesses and schools were closed.

"We know it's a day off but we are asking citizen to heed this call and avoid a traffic jam in that area," said René Salvador Rosado, coordinator of civil protection in Mexicali.

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