North Dakota’s first winter storm is packing a punch. Icy, snowy road conditions are being seen from the northwest corner of the state, and in the southeast corner, 10 counties are currently under a no travel advisory. These counties are: Stutsman, Barnes, Cass, Logan, LaMoure, Dickey, Ransom, Sargent, and Richland. I-29 from Grand Forks to SD and I-94 from Valley City to West Fargo are currently closed due to blowing snow causing very icy roads. The NDDOT cited crashes as being the reason for the I-94 closure. Visibility is reduced. Highways 11 and 13 in Sargent and Richland counties are also closed. Motorists are not allowed to travel on these roads due to life threatening conditions, and driving on closed roads can lead to a fine up to $250.
Winter storm warnings and advisories continue tonight, and a blizzard warning is in effect for South Dakota counties. All roads in Roberts County in SD are closed, as plows have been pulled due to dangerous conditions. Strong north-northwest winds will continue to cause areas of blowing and drifting snow through the evening causing reduced visibility, according to the NWS of Bismarck. Snow will diminish over south central ND and the James River Valley this evening. Areas south of I-94 can expect 5-8 inches of snow–Jamestown and Fargo east toward Detroit Lakes will see 3 to 6 inches. Additional 3 to 5inches are possible for Dickey and LaMoure counties with wind gusts as high as 45 mph, according to the NWS.
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