The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) are advising motorists against travel in south central and eastern ND. Interstate 94 and 29 as well as other highways will remain closed throughout the night as NDDOT is bringing in additional equipment to continue to remove vehicles and clear roadways. Any abandoned vehicles on the interstate will be towed to the nearest interchange. Two-lane state highways in the south central and eastern part of the state, in which a No Travel Advisory is in effect, are greatly impacted by the high winds which have created heavy snow drifts at structures and sheltered areas. Snowplows are unable to get through some areas and roads are blocked and impassable. Motorists will become stranded if they travel on these roads and emergency response will be difficult. Because of the impact of this storm event and the strong winds prevailing into the night it is going to take the NDDOT a significant amount of time until these highways can be cleared for traffic.
Current closures and advisories are:
- I-94 CLOSED eastbound and westbound from Bismarck to Fargo due to snow drifts blocking roadways and near zero visibility.
- I-29 CLOSED northbound and southbound from Fargo to the Canadian Border due to snow drifts blocking roadways and near zero visibility.
- US Highway 2 CLOSED eastbound and westbound from Devils Lake to Grand Forks due to snow drifts blocking roadways and near zero visibility.
- A No Travel Advisory is in effect for all areas of south central and eastern North Dakota due to blowing snow, high winds, icy roads, and areas of near zero visibility creating hazardous driving conditions. Several roadways are blocked and impassible with the greatest impacts to the east-west highways. Cities included in the No Travel Advisory include east of Bismarck, east of Devils Lake, Jamestown, Valley City, Fargo, Grand Forks and surrounding areas. A No Travel Advisory means conditions are such that motorists should not travel in these areas.
All travelers are encouraged to monitor road conditions as weather conditions occur and use caution while traveling. For road information, call 511 from any type of phone or go to the Travel Information Map at www.dot.nd.gov.