Grand Forks, North Dakota – A brief reduction in winter weather impacts across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota will give way to increasing wind and renewed travel hazards Sunday, particularly along major routes including Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 2.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, snow is tapering off overnight across eastern North Dakota, with some areas potentially seeing periods of freezing rain or rain before precipitation ends. Farther east, snow is expected to continue through the morning hours across northwest Minnesota, keeping travel conditions difficult.
Forecasters note that while snowfall intensity may decrease for a time, the improvement will be short-lived. Wind gusts are forecast to increase Sunday morning, with peak gusts ranging from 30 to 40 mph across much of the region. These stronger winds are expected to create areas of blowing and drifting snow, especially in open country and along north-south roadways.
The National Weather Service warns that rapidly changing visibility is likely, particularly along Interstate 29, U.S. Highway 2, and rural highways where little wind protection exists. Even where snowfall has ended, previously fallen snow may be lofted back into the air, reducing visibility to hazardous levels.
Transportation officials urge drivers to check current road conditions before traveling. The North Dakota Department of Transportation recommends monitoring travel.dot.nd.gov or calling 511 for the latest updates on road closures and visibility concerns.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later Sunday into Monday as winds slowly ease and more stable weather moves into the region. However, forecasters emphasize that winter driving hazards can persist even after active precipitation ends.
Motorists are encouraged to carry winter safety kits, reduce speed in low-visibility areas, and be prepared for sudden whiteout conditions, particularly during daylight hours Sunday.
