Fargo, North Dakota – A thin but dangerous glaze of ice is spreading across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota Tuesday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions through midafternoon in the Red River Valley.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. CST as freezing drizzle coats roads, bridges, sidewalks, and parking lots. Even light ice accumulation is enough to trigger crashes and falls, especially during daytime travel when conditions may look deceptively wet instead of icy.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, freezing drizzle is impacting a wide area from Grand Forks and Fargo to Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, Thief River Falls, and Fergus Falls. Counties along and east of the Red River are most vulnerable, including Cass, Traill, Steele, Grand Forks, Polk, Clay, Becker, Otter Tail, and Beltrami.
The highest risk window runs through early afternoon. Elevated surfaces like overpasses on I-29, I-94, and Highway 2 can ice over quickly. Local law enforcement and transportation agencies urge drivers to slow down, avoid cruise control, and allow extra stopping distance. Even treated roads may remain slick until temperatures rise above freezing.
Pedestrians are also urged to use caution. Sidewalks, driveways, and stairways may be coated with a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
Travelers should check the latest road conditions by dialing 511 in North Dakota or Minnesota before heading out. If travel is not essential, delaying trips until conditions improve later today is advised.
