Bismarck, North Dakota – Snow squalls are expected to continue through tonight across parts of North Dakota and Nebraska, creating dangerous and rapidly changing travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center.
In a social media update issued early Friday, forecasters said snow squalls are likely to develop along and behind an advancing arctic cold front across the northern and central Plains before pushing eastward toward the Midwest later today. The highest risk for intense squalls is focused over western and central North Dakota, South Dakota, and into Nebraska, where strong winds will accompany brief but heavy snowfall.
According to the Weather Prediction Center, snow squalls may produce near-zero visibility, sudden whiteout conditions, and slick road surfaces with little warning. Gusty winds are expected to worsen travel impacts, especially on open highways and rural roads.
Even outside of snow squalls, damaging winds are forecast across the High Plains, with gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph in parts of the Dakotas and Nebraska. Officials warned that these winds could make travel hazardous for high-profile vehicles and may lead to scattered power outages. Falling temperatures behind the cold front could also result in dangerously low wind chills.
Motorists are urged to remain alert for rapidly deteriorating conditions. If drivers encounter a snow squall and cannot safely leave the roadway, the National Weather Service advises reducing speed, turning on headlights and hazard lights, and avoiding sudden braking.
The snow squall threat is expected to persist into tonight before gradually shifting east.
