Grand Forks, North Dakota – Drivers across northeast North Dakota could see travel conditions deteriorate quickly starting Thursday midday as accumulating snow and powerful winds move into the northern Red River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a developing surface low will track southeast toward the region Thursday, spreading a swath of accumulating snow across northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota beginning around midday Thursday and continuing into early Friday morning.
Forecasters say the highest chances for at least 2 inches of snow will occur near and north of the Red River Valley, including Grand Forks, Grafton, Thief River Falls, Roseau, and Baudette, where probabilities exceed 60–75% in some locations.
The greatest concern arrives Thursday night as wind gusts of at least 50 mph develop across eastern North Dakota and the Red River Valley. Those strong winds could combine with falling snow to produce blizzard conditions in some areas, with visibility dropping sharply and travel becoming hazardous overnight.
Major travel routes including Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 2 could experience blowing snow and longer travel times late Thursday night into early Friday morning.
Forecasters note there remains uncertainty with the exact storm track, which will determine where the heaviest snow falls versus areas that may see rain instead.
Residents are urged to monitor updates and prepare for possible travel disruptions Thursday night as the winter system moves into the region. Additional winter weather alerts may be issued as the storm approaches.
