Thousands of residents across four U.S. states are under blizzard warnings, with the National Weather Service cautioning that “travel should be restricted to emergencies only.”
What To Know
The blizzard warnings cover parts of South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota.
South Dakota
From Thursday morning into Thursday afternoon, Day, Marshall, and Roberts counties could see up to 2 inches of snow alongside 60 mph winds, potentially dropping visibility to below a quarter mile.
The NWS advised residents to “consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution.”
North Dakota
The NWS warned residents in Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, and Towner counties, along with parts of northeast, southeast, north, and south central North Dakota, that blizzard conditions are expected through Thursday evening. Forecasts call for up to 4 inches of snow with winds gusting up to 70 mph, conditions likely to produce whiteouts that “will make travel extremely dangerous or impossible.”
In McKenzie, Williams, and McLean counties, similar blizzard-like conditions may persist until mid-Thursday morning, with 2 to 4 inches of snow and 60 mph winds possible.
Montana
Wibaux County and parts of northeast Montana are expected to face up to 2 inches of snow and 60 mph winds through early Thursday morning, a combination that could “significantly” reduce visibility.
Minnesota
Parts of northwest and west central Minnesota could receive 1 to 4 inches of snow with winds up to 70 mph through Thursday evening. Local NWS stations reiterated that “travel should be restricted to emergencies only.”
What People Are Saying
The NWS explained: “A blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous.”
“If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.”
For those who must travel, the agency urged drivers to “consider taking a winter storm kit along with you,” including tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets, and extra clothing, plus water, a first aid kit, and other essentials in case of becoming stranded.
What Happens Next
Residents in the warning areas should closely monitor local forecasts and alerts, as conditions can shift quickly and visibility may deteriorate with little notice.
