Grand Forks, North Dakota – Drivers across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota are dealing with slick and potentially icy roads Tuesday night as freezing drizzle and flurries spread across the region, creating hazardous travel conditions even where pavement appears wet.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, freezing drizzle will continue into the late evening hours before gradually transitioning to light snow after midnight. The drizzle phase poses the greatest risk, as thin layers of ice can quickly form on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. Minor snow accumulations are expected through Wednesday morning.
The wintry mix is affecting much of the Red River Valley, including Grand Forks, Fargo, Devils Lake, and surrounding rural highways. Traffic cameras from the North Dakota and Minnesota Departments of Transportation show reduced visibility at times and slick conditions developing, particularly on secondary roads. Officials urge drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and check updated road reports before heading out.
Motorists are encouraged to use 511 services or state DOT travel websites for the latest road conditions. Even light precipitation can lead to crashes when temperatures hover near freezing.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Wednesday morning as precipitation tapers off, though icy patches may linger through the early commute. Additional travel advisories could be issued if freezing drizzle persists longer than expected.
