…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3:00 AM TO 9:00 PM ON SUNDAY (January 18, 2026)…
The National Weather Service in Grand Forks, North Dakota, has issued a Blizzard Warning for portions of northwest Minnesota and eastern North Dakota on Sunday from 3:00 AM 9:00 PM .
The Blizzard Warning is for the following counties Polk, Kittson, West Marshall, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Benson, Ramsey, Walsh, Eddy, Nelson, Grand Forks, Griggs, Steele, and Traill.
Including the cities of Drayton, Michigan, Cando, Langdon, Lankin, Hallock, Crookston, Mayville, Finley, East Grand Forks, Leeds, Cooperstown, New Rockford, Devils Lake, Warren, Grafton, Hillsboro, Grand Forks, and Cavalier.
…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 PM CST SUNDAY…
* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of northwest Minnesota and northeast and southeast North Dakota.
* WHEN…From 3 AM to 9 PM CST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
NO TRAVEL ADVISORY ISSUED
(10:30 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has opened Highway 2 from Crookston to East Grand Forks, previously closed due to no visibility. Other area highways remain no travel advised in northwest Minnesota.
No travel advised:
- Highway 1: Warren to North Dakota
- Highway 11: Karlstad to North Dakota
- Highway 175: Hallock to North Dakota
Motorists should check their local weather forecasts prior to travel. There is potential for additional winter weather events Saturday evening, which could create no travel advisories and closed roads. Check www.511mn.org for the latest travel information.
Motorists should plan accordingly. When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
No Travel Advised means that the visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel. Motorists are advised not to travel in these areas until the high winds subside and conditions improve.
Motorists should prepare for changing weather and monitor road conditions at 511mn.org. Drivers should plan accordingly with an emergency supply kit and clothing for extreme cold.
Important: travel may still be difficult on county, township and municipal roads. Check with local agencies for their road conditions.
MnDOT snowplow operators will do their part to make highways safe and motorists should remember to:
- Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often with little warning
- Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive into a snow cloud.
- Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions.
- Turn on your headlights and wear your seat belt.
- Turn off the cruise control.
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
- Don’t drive distracted.
For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to mndot.gov/workzone/winter.html.
