Grand Forks, ND – A potent winter storm system is forecast to bring a mix of snow, ice, and strong winds across eastern North Dakota and western to north-central Minnesota beginning early Tuesday, December 9, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks.
The Winter Weather Advisory covers multiple counties across both states, including Cass, Barnes, Eddy, Griggs, Ransom, Richland, and Benson in North Dakota, and Clay, Wilkin, Becker, Otter Tail, Mahnomen, Beltrami, and Wadena Counties in Minnesota.
In southern and eastern North Dakota, snow and freezing rain will begin around 6 a.m., with ice accumulations up to 0.20 inches and wind gusts as high as 60 mph expected through the day. Farther east into Minnesota, conditions will worsen by midday, with 3 to 5 inches of snow and gusts between 40 and 50 mph leading to patchy blowing snow and reduced visibility through Wednesday morning.
Travel across the I-94, I-29, and U.S. Highway 2 corridors will likely be difficult, with rapidly changing visibility and slick, icy surfaces. Power outages and downed branches are also possible due to the combination of ice and high winds.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, use caution, and check 511nd.org or 511mn.org for real-time road updates. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
