Grand Forks, North Dakota – Drivers across the northern Red River Valley have hours to prepare before 55 mph wind gusts whip up blowing snow by 9 a.m. Friday, sharply reducing visibility along open highways during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Winter Weather Advisory runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday for Kittson and Roseau counties in Minnesota and Cavalier and Pembina counties in North Dakota. Forecasters warn that strong northwest winds could produce near blizzard conditions in exposed rural areas, even without significant new snowfall.
Open stretches of U.S. Highway 59 near Roseau, North Dakota Highway 5 near Cavalier and Interstate 29 between Drayton and Pembina are especially vulnerable to sudden drops in visibility. Gusts up to 55 mph may create ground blizzards, blowing loose snow across roadways and reducing sightlines to less than a quarter mile at times.
The most significant impacts are expected from late morning through early evening Friday, coinciding with school dismissals and the drive home from work. Motorists should delay non-essential travel, keep headlights on and carry winter safety kits. Check 511 road reports in Minnesota and North Dakota before departing.
Conditions should gradually improve after 7 p.m., but patchy blowing snow may linger into the night as winds slowly ease.
