Grand Forks, North Dakota – A thin layer of ice is creating slick travel across parts of northeastern North Dakota Friday morning as freezing drizzle coats untreated roads during the early commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. CST Friday for portions of the Red River Valley and surrounding counties, including Pembina, Grand Forks, Nelson, Traill, Griggs, Steele, and Walsh counties.
Forecasters say freezing drizzle is producing a light glaze of ice, enough to make roads, bridges, and overpasses slippery across communities such as Grand Forks, Cavalier, Grafton, Hillsboro, Mayville, Cooperstown, Finley, Drayton, and Lankin.
Even a thin coating of ice can quickly create hazardous driving conditions, especially on rural highways and open stretches of road where surfaces cool more quickly. The icy layer may also affect sidewalks and parking lots during the busy Friday morning commute.
Transportation officials urge drivers to slow down and increase following distance. Motorists can check North Dakota 511 for the latest road condition updates before traveling.
The freezing drizzle is expected to taper by mid-morning as temperatures gradually improve, though slick patches could linger on untreated roads beyond the advisory period. Additional advisories could be issued if icing redevelops later in the day.
URGENT – WINTER W
