Hold On, North Dakota: Powerful Clipper Brings Ice, Snow, and Howling Winds

Well friends, the weather rollercoaster ride continues across North Dakota, and the outlook from this evening through Tuesday night could be especially impactful. A powerful clipper system is moving into the Northern Plains, bringing a mix of strong winds, freezing rain, rapidly falling temperatures, and snow to parts of the region.

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️The biggest headline may be the wind. Strong northwest winds are expected to ramp up Tuesday, with gusts potentially reaching up to 65 miles per hour. These winds alone could make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles such as semis, pickups with trailers, and RVs.

During the early morning hours Tuesday, there will be medium to high chances for freezing rain across northwest, central, and southeast North Dakota. Ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are possible. Even light glazing can make roads, sidewalks, and bridges extremely slick. By the afternoon, precipitation will transition to rain in the south and west, while areas to the north and east shift to snow.

Read More: Changes To Water And Waste Rates Could Hit Williston

Rapid Flash Freeze and Heavy Snow Could Create Hazardous Travel Across North Dakota Tuesday Night

A significant concern will be a flash-freeze Tuesday evening into the overnight hours. Temperatures are forecast to drop rapidly—from the mid-30s to mid-40s during the day into the mid-teens in the north and mid-20s in the south by mid-evening. Any moisture left on roadways from earlier rain or melting snow will freeze quickly, leading to dangerous travel conditions.

Snow is also expected to play a role, especially in the Turtle Mountains and across eastern North Dakota into Minnesota. Parts of northeast North Dakota into Minnesota could see four inches or more of snow, with blowing snow reducing visibility.

Drivers are urged to remain weather-aware, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions throughout the day on Tuesday.