Grand Forks, North Dakota – Blowing snow driven by powerful northwest winds up to 45 mph is cutting visibility to under half a mile across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota Monday afternoon, creating dangerous travel conditions that could extend into the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, areas shaded in red—including Cando, Grafton, Hallock, and Grand Forks—are seeing scattered to frequent near-whiteout conditions, especially in open country where visibility drops quickly. Winds are combining with intermittent snow showers to trigger near-blizzard conditions in spots. Visibility has dropped within minutes on regional webcams.
Fargo, Ada, and Devils Lake are among the cities affected by reduced visibility. Areas in blue, including Valley City, Wahpeton, and Thief River Falls, are experiencing intermittent reductions to visibility around half a mile. These conditions are highly variable and can change rapidly.
Drivers are urged to delay non-essential travel, especially in rural areas, and check road conditions via 511mn.org or travel.dot.nd.gov. Charge phones before hitting the road, and remain alert to blowing snow across highways and county roads.
Reduced visibility threats will ease late tonight as winds begin to taper, but updates may follow if snow squalls redevelop.
