Detroit Lakes, MN – Roads across northwest Minnesota will quickly deteriorate Friday afternoon as heavy snow moves in, setting up a prolonged stretch of hazardous travel through early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Winter Storm Warning takes effect as early as 1 p.m. Friday in parts of the Red River Valley and expands by 4 p.m. across west-central and northern Minnesota. Snow totals between 6 and 12 inches are expected, with wind gusts up to 35 mph creating blowing snow and reduced visibility .
Cities including Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Bemidji, and Thief River Falls will see snow intensify Friday evening, impacting the evening commute and continuing into Saturday. Portions of Interstate 94, Highway 10, and rural county roads may become snow-covered and difficult to navigate, especially overnight Friday into Saturday.
Light snow continues Thursday into early Friday under an advisory, but conditions worsen significantly once heavier bands arrive. Visibility may drop below a half mile at times as winds increase.
Drivers are urged to delay travel starting Friday afternoon and prepare for extended impacts into the weekend. Keep emergency supplies in vehicles and check 511 for road conditions.
Snow will taper late Saturday night into early Sunday, but additional alerts remain possible as the storm evolves.
