Fargo, North Dakota – A wintry mix of light snow and freezing rain is creating icy travel conditions early Tuesday across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
According to the US National Weather Service in Grand Forks, an area of light snow and freezing rain was moving east from Fargo toward Bemidji and Park Rapids around 4:40 a.m. Tuesday. Forecasters say a glaze of ice is expected, with travel impacts likely from Fargo eastward through lakes country into northwest Minnesota.
The freezing rain band is expected to move east through the early morning hours, potentially reaching areas near Bemidji before shifting southeast toward Otter Tail County.
In addition, a cold front is bringing gusty northwest winds up to 40 mph into the Devils Lake region. Those stronger winds are expected to spread southeast into Grand Forks and surrounding areas by 7 a.m., which could lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Roadways including Interstate 94 near Fargo, U.S. Highway 2 near Devils Lake and Grand Forks, and U.S. Highway 81 may become slick, especially on bridges and overpasses where ice forms first. The North Dakota and Minnesota Departments of Transportation advise motorists to check current road conditions before traveling.
Morning commuters, school transportation routes, and early-shift workers may encounter the most hazardous conditions before sunrise as precipitation continues moving east.
According to the National Weather Service, conditions are expected to gradually improve later Tuesday morning as the system exits the region, though gusty winds may persist for several hours.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed and allow extra stopping distance during icy conditions.
