Fargo, ND – North Dakota motorists are waking up to flash freeze conditions this Sunday morning as temperatures fall sharply following Saturday’s snowfall. The National Weather Service warns that wet or slushy roads could freeze within minutes, forming dangerous black ice on major highways like I-94, I-29, and Highway 2.
A flash freeze occurs when road temperatures rapidly drop below 32°F, instantly turning surface moisture to ice. These quick freezes can make roadways appear wet but dangerously slick, especially in shaded areas and on bridges.
On icy pavement, a car traveling 35 mph may need up to 600 feet to stop, compared to about 60–100 feet on dry roads. Officials recommend reducing speed, avoiding cruise control, and leaving extra following distance to stay safe.
“Even when skies clear, residual moisture can freeze quickly,” the NWS cautioned early Sunday. “Black ice is difficult to see until it’s too late.”
Drivers across Cass, Burleigh, and Grand Forks Counties should use extreme caution and expect slick conditions through midmorning before gradual improvement.
