Grand Forks, North Dakota – Dense fog reducing visibility to less than one-quarter mile is impacting parts of northwest Minnesota early Friday, with patchy fog also possible across eastern North Dakota.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, locally dense fog has been observed from Hallock to Crookston and east through the Thief River Falls region, extending north toward Roseau, Warroad and Lake of the Woods. Visibility conditions are variable, with some areas reporting rapid changes from clear stretches to sharply reduced visibility.
Forecasters also note patchy fog is possible on the North Dakota side of the Red River Valley, from Fargo north through Grand Forks to Cavalier and Langdon. Additional patchy fog has been reported from Mahnomen to Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids, Wadena and Otter Tail County, though fog in these areas is generally less dense.
Motorists traveling along I-29, I-94, US-2, MN-32 and MN-11 should prepare for sudden visibility drops, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers. Officials advise drivers to use low-beam headlights, reduce speed and increase following distance.
Dense fog can make it difficult to see vehicles, intersections and road hazards until they are very close.
For early morning commuters and school transportation routes, the greatest impacts are expected before mid-morning as visibility fluctuates.
