Light Snow and Blowing Winds Create Dangerous Travel Conditions Across North Dakota and Minnesota’s Red River Valley Today
NORTH DAKOTA / MINNESOTA — Winter weather impacts are expected across eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota today as light snowfall combines with gusty winds, creating low visibility, blowing snow, and occasional near-whiteout conditions, especially in open and rural areas.
According to the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for much of the Red River Valley, where 1 to 3 inches of snow are expected, with isolated locations possibly receiving slightly higher totals.
Snow and Wind Combination Is the Primary Concern
While snowfall amounts alone are relatively modest, forecasters stress that wind-driven impacts will be the main hazard today.
Blustery south winds will shift to the northwest by Sunday morning, allowing snow to be picked up and blown across roadways, significantly reducing visibility at times. These conditions are most pronounced in open country, farmland, and exposed highways, where drifting snow can quickly obscure lane markings.
Timing: Impacts Build This Afternoon and Linger Into Sunday
Snow is expected to develop or intensify late this afternoon, continuing into tonight before gradually tapering off by midday Sunday. However, travel impacts may linger into Sunday afternoon, even after snowfall rates decrease.
Forecasters highlight that the worst blowing snow conditions are expected Sunday morning, particularly near and north of Grand Forks, where visibility may drop rapidly during stronger wind gusts.
Areas Most Likely to See Travel Impacts
The highest confidence for hazardous travel includes:
- The Red River Valley of eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota
- Rural roads and highways between Grand Forks, Fargo, and surrounding communities
- Open stretches of roadway where snow can drift easily
Even brief bursts of snow combined with wind may lead to rapidly changing driving conditions.
What Drivers Should Expect
Residents and travelers should prepare for:
- Sudden drops in visibility due to blowing snow
- Snow-covered and drifting roadways
- Longer travel times and slower speeds
- Difficult driving conditions on untreated roads
Officials caution that even short-distance travel can become dangerous if visibility suddenly drops.
Safety Recommendations
The National Weather Service urges drivers to:
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Use headlights during snow and blowing snow
- Carry winter emergency supplies in vehicles
- Avoid unnecessary travel during peak impact periods
Conditions can change quickly, especially during periods of stronger wind.
Bottom Line
Although snowfall totals are not extreme, the combination of light snow and gusty winds will make travel hazardous across parts of North Dakota and Minnesota today, particularly in the Red River Valley. Motorists should remain alert and be prepared for periods of reduced visibility and difficult driving through tonight and into Sunday.
Are you seeing blowing snow or reduced visibility where you are? Share local conditions and stay with WaldronNews for continued winter weather updates across North Dakota and Minnesota.