Bemidji, Minnesota – Powerful winds and blowing snow are rapidly creating dangerous travel conditions across northwest Minnesota and nearby North Dakota as a winter storm intensifies ahead of the Thursday evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, multiple Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect across the Red River Valley and northern Minnesota through early Friday or Friday afternoon depending on location. Snow totals will range from 2 to 9 inches across much of northern Minnesota, with the strongest winds gusting between 45 and 60 mph.
In Roseau and East Marshall counties, snowfall totals between 4 and 7 inches combined with 50 mph wind gusts could reduce visibility below a half mile in open areas through 7 a.m. Friday. Blowing and drifting snow is expected to be most severe along rural highways and exposed farmland.
Communities including Bemidji, Baudette, Bagley, and Red Lake could see 3 to 9 inches of snow through 1 p.m. Friday. Gusty winds around 45 mph may create sudden whiteout conditions along Highways 2 and 71 and other open roadways across Beltrami and Clearwater counties.
Farther west in North Dakota, areas near Devils Lake, Cando, and Leeds face extreme wind gusts approaching 60 mph through Friday morning. Even light snowfall could drift across roads, creating sudden slick patches and limited visibility.
Officials urge drivers to delay unnecessary travel, especially overnight into the Friday morning commute. Anyone who must travel should carry emergency supplies and check 511 road reports before heading out as conditions could worsen quickly.
