Thin ice leading to issues for Northern Minnesota community reliant on snowmobiles for winter travel

(Bear Island, MN) --  Residents who live on an island in northern Minnesota say they're currently stranded because of this year's unusually warm weather.  

Residents of Bear Island say they normally use snowmobiles during the winter to get supplies and do other business in nearby Crane Lake Township.  But this year's warmer temperatures have stranded those who have already pulled their boats from the water in anticipation of ice forming on the lake.  Others have moved to alternate housing while waiting for the lake to freeze.  

State and local officials have issued safety warnings after multiple reports of vehicles and property falling underwater due to thin ice.