FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The area is seeing snow and high winds.
Snow and strong winds are expected Sunday into Tuesday, impacting travel conditions across the region.
Fargo Public Works workers have been on staff since Saturday afternoon preparing for the storm.
“We did some pre-treatment of the road and are now scraping away some of the slush and ice chunks to prepare for the next round here.”
The North Dakota Department of Transportation reports that many state highways are at least partially covered in snow, and travel is expected to be difficult Sunday night into Monday. NDDOT has already reported one accident on I-94 west of Valley City.
Meanwhile, MNDOT reports roads on the Minnesota side are similarly affected, with roads in Clay and Wilkin counties partially or completely covered. Three incidents of vehicles spinning out were also reported on Interstate 94 between Fergus Falls and Alexandria. Collisions have also been reported near Battle Lake as drivers struggle to cope with poor road conditions.
MNDOT already has workers in place and will have more workers on duty 24/7 starting midnight Monday.
The National Weather Service in Grand Forks expects the storm to significantly impact travel in the southern Red River Valley, while also potentially impacting travel north of Fargo.
“As we move further north, it becomes less significant and severe, but it can certainly occur, especially if snow accumulates, reducing visibility in some areas and making travel even more dangerous.”
This weather is also affecting flights at Hector International Airport.
Two flights from Minneapolis were delayed, one was canceled, and a tow flight from Fargo to Minneapolis was also cancelled.
For those traveling in our area, Fargo Public Works is reminding drivers to give snowplows space.
“Even if you're on a bigger device, it's just as hard to see out. It takes a lot longer to stop, and when the wind blows over this wet stuff, it freezes.”
Travel conditions are unlikely to improve as more snow falls and winds pick up.
Fargo Public Works will not begin removing accumulated snow until the storm is over.
