Grand Forks, North Dakota – Freezing drizzle, sleet, and light freezing rain are expected to create hazardous travel conditions across portions of Minnesota and North Dakota Thursday afternoon into early Friday, prompting Winter Weather Advisories across a broad region.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, advisories are in effect from noon or 3 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. CST Friday, depending on location.
The advisory covers northwest and west-central Minnesota as well as northeast and southeast North Dakota. Affected Minnesota counties include Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Becker, Otter Tail, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Hubbard, and Wadena. North Dakota counties under the advisory include Pembina, Walsh, Grand Forks, Steele, Traill, and Cass.
Communities impacted include Fargo, Moorhead, Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Thief River Falls, Crookston, Bemidji, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Park Rapids, Hallock, Cavalier, Hillsboro, and Grafton, among others.
Forecasters expect areas of freezing drizzle and sleet, with some locations also seeing light freezing rain or light snow. Ice accumulations are forecast to range from a trace up to 0.05 inch, with localized amounts up to 0.10 inch possible in parts of central and north-central Minnesota.
The National Weather Service warns that slick and hazardous travel conditions may develop, particularly on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses during the afternoon, evening, and overnight hours.
Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and use caution while traveling. Road conditions can be checked by calling 511 in both Minnesota and North Dakota.
Winter Weather Advisories are issued when winter conditions are expected to cause travel difficulties and minor disruptions, especially during periods of increased holiday traffic.
