…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM SATURDAY (January 17, 2026)…
…WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT (January 17, 2026) THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING (January 18, 2026)…
* WHAT…For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations up to one inch possible. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota.
* WHEN…For the Blizzard Warning, until 6 AM CST Saturday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Sunday evening.
* IMPACTS…Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Plan on slippery road conditions. Whiteout conditions may make travel extremely dangerous or impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
Prepare for possible blizzard conditions. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing.
Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.
NO TRAVEL ADVISORY ISSUED (as of 6:00 PM 1-16-26)
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has issued additional no travel advisories on area highways in northwestern Minnesota:
No travel advised:
Highway 1: Warren to North Dakota
Highway 2: East Grand Forks to Crookston
Highway 11: Karlstad to North Dakota
Highway 175: Hallock to North Dakota
Highway 200: Ada to North Dakota
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.
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.
