Grand Forks, ND – Drivers across the northern Red River Valley are facing hazardous travel conditions today as snow and increasing southerly winds move through the region, briefly reducing visibility and making travel difficult.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, snow moving into the northern Red River Valley is expected to drop visibility to as low as one-quarter mile at times, especially from mid-morning through early afternoon Friday. While winds are not expected to be as strong as those experienced Thursday, gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be sufficient to cause blowing snow and localized whiteout conditions.
Forecasters say the most significant impacts are focused north of the Highway 200 corridor, where enough snow is reaching the ground to combine with gusty winds. South of Highway 200, snowfall has been lighter, but brief visibility reductions are still possible as the system moves east.
The National Weather Service warns that an hour or two of difficult travel conditions is likely as the snow band passes through the area. The impacts are expected to continue eastward into northwestern Minnesota, including areas near East Grand Forks, Crookston, and surrounding communities, through mid-afternoon.
Transportation officials urge drivers to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and be prepared for rapid changes in visibility, especially on open roadways and rural highways. Motorists are encouraged to check current road conditions before traveling by visiting travel.dot.nd.gov for North Dakota and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
Conditions are expected to improve later this afternoon once the snow exits the region, though slick spots may linger on untreated roads.
