Dickinson, ND – A fast-moving burst of winter weather is tightening its grip across southwest North Dakota this evening, bringing steady snow, areas of blowing snow, and rapidly reduced visibility along I-94 and adjacent county roads.
According to the National Weather Service Bismarck office, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through early Saturday, with most locations in Stark, Billings, Hettinger, Grant, Bowman, Adams, Sioux, Dunn, and McKenzie counties expected to see 3 to 5 inches of accumulation. Localized pockets could reach 7 inches, especially in open country west of Dickinson where northwest winds are strongest. The agency warns that the Friday evening commute will remain slick, with drifting on rural roads and plow operations running intermittently overnight.
According to North Dakota DOT, the combination of light powdery snow and gusts near 25 mph is producing patchy near-whiteout conditions between Medora and Hebron. Crews report compact snow on ramps and bridges. Drivers should keep speeds down, use headlights, and maintain extra distance. Anyone traveling after dark should consider delaying non-essential trips. Charge phones, carry blankets, and keep fuel above half a tank in case of delays.
According to emergency managers in Stark and Dunn counties, minor impacts to early-morning school routes are possible if blowing snow redevelops before sunrise. Temperatures will struggle to climb until late morning Saturday when drier air nudges in from Montana.
