Fargo, ND – As Arctic air grips the Northern Plains and Christmas travel peaks nationwide, North Dakota is facing some of the most extreme winter conditions in the country this weekend. Forecasters say temperatures will remain below zero across much of the state, with wind chills between –30°F and –45°F through Sunday morning.
This bitter cold system, which has spread across nearly all of the U.S., even reached Florida on Friday morning with a rare Freeze Warning. For North Dakota, the Arctic blast will bring blowing snow, icy roads, and life-threatening wind chills — conditions that could quickly turn dangerous for stranded motorists.
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services and state transportation officials are urging all drivers to take the cold seriously and prepare their vehicles for emergencies. Essential items include bottled water, snacks, insulated gloves, heavy blankets, jumper cables, and a flashlight. A shovel, traction aids such as sand or cat litter, and a portable phone charger are vital in these conditions. Drivers are strongly advised to keep the gas tank at least half full and to avoid travel during blizzard warnings unless absolutely necessary.
Major routes including I-94, I-29, and U.S. Highway 2 are expected to experience areas of whiteout visibility and drifting snow. Officials caution that frostbite can occur in under 10 minutes if stranded without proper clothing or shelter.
With Arctic air entrenched across the state and holiday travel surging, preparation can mean the difference between a safe arrival and a dangerous situation. North Dakota motorists are reminded that in this kind of cold, being ready isn’t optional — it’s survival.
