Grand Forks, North Dakota – Drivers across northern Minnesota could face deteriorating road conditions by Thursday afternoon as a winter storm spreads snow and strong winds across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Winter Storm Warning will take effect at 1 p.m. Thursday and remain in place until 1 p.m. Friday for Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, and Clearwater counties. Snow totals between 3 and 8 inches are expected while winds may gust up to 40 mph.
Communities including Bemidji, Baudette, Red Lake, and Bagley may experience drifting snow and occasional blowing snow as wind speeds increase Thursday evening and overnight. While widespread whiteouts are not expected, open and rural roads could see brief visibility reductions as snow is lofted by strong gusts.
The storm could create hazardous driving conditions during both the Thursday evening commute and the Friday morning drive. Roads across northern Minnesota, including U.S. Highway 71 and Highway 2 corridors, may become slick as snow accumulates and drifts across lanes.
Officials urge travelers to delay unnecessary trips and prepare vehicles with emergency supplies such as blankets, food, water, and a flashlight in case of delays or road closures.
Snow and drifting snow are expected to continue into early Friday afternoon before gradually easing as the system moves east.
