Bismarck, ND – A Winter Weather Advisory remains active across western and central North Dakota until 6 p.m. CST (5 p.m. MST) Thursday as a combination of freezing rain and steady snowfall continues to create difficult travel conditions across the region.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Bismarck report that communities including Williston, Dickinson, Bismarck, Bowman, Beulah, Mandan, and Watford City are likely to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow along with up to 0.2 inches of ice before precipitation slowly tapers later this evening.
Hazardous Conditions Expected Through the Evening
The ongoing winter mix is already producing slick roadways, and conditions are expected to worsen during peak travel hours. Meteorologists caution that bridges and overpasses will freeze first, posing a heightened risk for accidents.
Drivers should be prepared for sudden changes in traction, reduced visibility, and icy patches along major routes. The advisory notes that both the morning and evening commutes may experience delays due to deteriorating road conditions.
What the National Weather Service Says
The National Weather Service highlights the risk of freezing rain layered beneath fresh snow, which complicates plowing efforts and reduces roadway grip.
Forecasters stated, “Even a thin glaze of ice can create extremely hazardous travel conditions, especially when combined with accumulating snow.”
Residents are advised to slow down, maintain extra stopping distance, and check state travel resources such as 511 for updated road information.
Ice Accumulation May Lead to Localized Power Issues
Although widespread outages are not expected, the advisory warns that ice could accumulate on tree limbs and power lines, particularly in exposed areas. This raises the possibility of isolated power disruptions during the evening hours.
Utility crews are monitoring conditions as precipitation continues, and residents are encouraged to report outages promptly should they occur.
Storm Movement and Temperature Outlook
The wintry system is expected to shift eastward by tonight, allowing precipitation to end gradually. However, temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing into Friday morning, meaning any moisture left on untreated surfaces could refreeze overnight.
Cold, breezy conditions may also follow the departing system, reinforcing the need for residents to exercise caution on Friday morning’s commute.
How Residents Can Stay Safe
Meteorologists recommend taking several precautions as the storm passes through:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during peak freezing periods
- Drive slowly and allow extra time to reach destinations
- Keep emergency kits in vehicles
- Monitor local forecasts and road condition updates
Even small amounts of ice can lead to dangerous travel scenarios, and officials urge residents to remain vigilant until temperatures rise.
Community Preparedness
Local authorities continue coordinating with state road crews to manage icy conditions, though the mix of freezing rain and snow creates challenges for timely clearing. Road treatment effectiveness may vary depending on the extent of surface icing.
As the system exits tonight, residents can expect a gradual improvement, but slippery spots will persist until warmer conditions return.
Share Your Experience
Have you encountered icy roads or heavy snow in your area today? Share your observations in the comments to help keep others informed.
