GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Blizzard conditions continued early Saturday across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service as strong winds and blowing snow created whiteout conditions and hazardous travel.
A Blizzard Warning remained in effect through 6 a.m. CST Saturday for parts of the Red River Valley, including areas near Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Crookston and Cavalier. Wind gusts reached up to 40 mph, sharply reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile at times, forecasters said. Officials urged motorists to delay travel, especially in open and rural areas where ground blizzards developed despite relatively light snowfall.
Road conditions deteriorated quickly overnight as falling and blowing snow covered highways and secondary roads. Travel was described as treacherous and potentially life-threatening in some locations, particularly along major corridors such as Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 2.
While conditions were expected to improve later Saturday, forecasters warned that another dangerous winter system could arrive Sunday. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued from Sunday morning through Sunday evening for much of eastern North Dakota and northwest and west-central Minnesota.
The National Weather Service said the primary threat Sunday will again be strong winds rather than heavy snowfall. Gusts of 50 to 60 mph could produce widespread blowing and drifting snow, leading to near-blizzard or blizzard conditions. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible, but even lighter amounts could result in dangerous travel due to strong winds.
Emergency officials advised residents to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, monitor weather updates and carry winter survival kits if travel is unavoidable. Authorities stressed that conditions could worsen quickly, with little warning, and encouraged the public to use caution through the weekend.
