Fargo, ND – A powerful blizzard is sweeping through parts of Minnesota and South Dakota, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously high winds, with warnings in effect until Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. CDT Saturday for East Otter Tail, Grant, West Otter Tail, and Wilkin counties. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with localized totals up to a foot, are expected, alongside ice accumulations up to a quarter-inch. Winds will gust as high as 60 mph, significantly reducing visibility and making travel hazardous.
Further south, the NWS in Aberdeen, SD, has also issued a Blizzard Warning until 1 p.m. CDT for Traverse, Big Stone, Roberts, Codington, Grant, Hamlin, and Deuel counties. This region could see up to 3 inches of additional snow, ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch, and wind gusts reaching 50 mph.
Officials warn that travel should be limited to emergencies only, as widespread blowing snow will make roads nearly impassable. If travel is necessary, motorists are advised to carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicles if stranded. Road condition updates are available via 511mn.org for Minnesota and by calling 511 in South Dakota.
