Grand Forks, North Dakota – A fast-moving band of light snow is sliding across northeast North Dakota early on New Year’s Day, bringing minor accumulations but enough snow to briefly impact the morning commute across the Red River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, the narrow snow band moved through northeastern North Dakota overnight and is crossing the central and northern Red River Valley early this morning before pushing into northwest and west-central Minnesota. Snowfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected in the heaviest band, including areas near Devils Lake, Cando, Grand Forks, Ada, and Park Rapids, with less than an inch falling outside the main snow corridor.
Snow tapers off from northwest to southeast through the morning, with most locations seeing precipitation end by late morning or around lunchtime. Winds behind the system remain light, generally under 10 mph, which will limit blowing and drifting snow. Visibility reductions may still occur briefly while snow is falling, especially on open stretches of highway.
Roads may become slick during the morning hours, particularly on untreated surfaces, bridges, and overpasses. North Dakota and Minnesota transportation officials urge drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time for travel until snow ends and crews can address road conditions.
Communities across the Red River Valley, including Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Crookston, and surrounding rural areas, are most likely to see short-lived travel impacts. Conditions improve steadily late this morning as snowfall exits and cloud cover begins to thin.
No significant winter weather hazards are expected after this system departs. The National Weather Service notes that while this snow event is minor, it serves as a reminder that even light accumulations can create hazardous conditions early on New Year’s Day.
Additional updates will be issued if snowfall totals trend higher in localized bands, but overall impacts are expected to remain limited and brief.
